At the women’s global under-18 hockey tournament, which took place on Sunday in Ostersund, Sweden, Caitlin Kraemer led the way with four goals as Canada thrashed Sweden 10-0 to win the gold medal for the second time in a row.
The first-period hat trick by 16-year-old Waterloo, Ontario, resident Kraemer was the fastest in tournament history. It took 6:44. Her fourth goal in the third period was her 10th overall, which set a tournament record for most goals by a Canadian.
Marie-Philip Poulin, the current captain of the Canadian women’s hockey team, formerly held that record.
“This squad has been such a significant part of my achievements; I could not have done it without them,” said Kraemer, who was selected to the all-star tournament team.
“We wished for the world to be aware of who we are. I don’t know what to say. Since you were a young child, you have dreamed about winning this.”
In addition to Alexia Aubin’s two goals, Canada also had goals from Abby Lunney, Piper Grober, Mackenzie Alexander, and Charlotte Pieckenhagen. The country was unbeaten in the competition and won back-to-back gold medals for the first time since winning three in a row from 2012 to 2014.
Hannah Clark recorded the first shutout of her international career with 21 saves.
We were aware of our ultimate objective, Clark stated. “We were going to work as hard as we could to finish the job because we knew we had to do it.
“Our team is very passionate. These girls are my friends, and I know we care about one another. Since you were a young child, you have dreamed about getting gold. It is unique.
Felicia Frank, a goalkeeper from Sweden, allowed five goals in 12 minutes before being replaced by Ida Henriksson.
Henriksson filled in for Sweden and stopped 26 of 31 shots. To win the bronze medal earlier on Sunday, the United States defeated Finland 5-0.
The United States would not compete for the gold medal for the first time in the tournament’s 15-year history after Sweden upset the Americans 2-1 in the semifinal match on Saturday.
Canada defeated Finland 3-2 in the semifinals thanks to a goal from Alex Law in overtime.
In a competition that was postponed and moved from January in Sweden to June in Madison, Wisconsin, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, she was one of seven veterans from the 2022 team that took home the gold.
Thanks to Kraemer, Canada got off to an explosive start on Sunday. She scored two goals in a hurry after going blank for the first time in the competition in the semifinal on Saturday. Then, 5:16 into the game, Kraemer scored her first goal, and 25 seconds later, she added another.
At 9:41, Aubin joined the celebration when she successfully deflected an Ava Murphy shot into the goal. In the contest, Murphy had three assists.
At 10:00 on the power play, a wrist shot by Grober increased the score to 4-0.
At the 12-minute mark, Kraemer scored his third goal on a two-on-one break by outmuscling Frank in the top corner.
3:54 into the middle period, Aubin added her second of the contest. Pieckenhagen placed Aubin on a breakaway after a turnover by Sweden, and she beat Henriksson with a backhand shot.
Lunney scored on a rebound less than 90 seconds later to make the score 7-0.
At 8:29 in the second, Alexander increased the lead. Then, just 52 seconds into the third, Pieckenhagen started scoring.
9:17 into the final period, Kraemer scored on the man advantage after rebounding an Emma Venusio one-timer.
2014 Olympic gold medalist Tara Watchorn, an assistant coach, stated, “We knew they were going to bring it today, but getting to watch them celebrate the little things, be pleased for each other, was amazing.”
“This bunch was unique. It was enjoyable to witness them represent their nation with class, dignity, and skill.”
- Published By Team Timeswire