IIHF 12 Nations Tournament Diary with Jen Schoullis – Aug. 31

Aug. 31

Only one game left of the Twelve Nations Tournament and we want to go out with a bang!  Game 1 against Canada was a testament to ourselves.  We competed hard for a full 60 minutes and the outcome was exactly what we wanted! The team came out flying in the 1st period and let the momentum flow as we rolled the lines and played physical.  We were fortunate to have 2 power-play goals this game. We seemed to be clicking on all levels as a team.  We ended up out shooting Canada but Molly Schaus helped by allowing zero goals!  It was quite the victory but we knew Game 2 would be different.

Game 2 against Canada was a battle.  We got off to a 2-0 lead at the beginning of the 1st period. Hilary Knight blasted a couple big shots right by the Canadian goalie.  This got us excited and ready to keep a lead.  Canada thought differently and by the end of the 1st period we were tied at 2.  The game was hard fought, going back and forth with scoring chances but both Jessie Vetter and Genevieve LaCrosse were solid in net.  We went into overtime and then a shootout.  Out of 12 shooters only 3 scored.  Kelli Stack scored for us but Canada ended up with the victory.  We were disappointed at the loss but tried to take positives from the game.  Everyone ate dinner and got to bed early, we had a quick turnaround against Team Sweden the next afternoon.

I have to get something to eat before our game tonight against Finland but will update you on the Sweden game as well as tonight’s game before we head back to the U.S. early Thursday morning!