ZUG, Switzerland – Chloe Primerano scored two goals and added an assist to lead Canada to an 8-1 victory over Finland in Sunday’s bronze medal game at the Under-18 Women’s Hockey World Championship.
Caitlin Kremer and Abby Stonehouse also scored two goals each for Team Canada, which outscored Finland 52-12.
“This group is amazing. I’m so proud of how we bounced back,” Kramer said. “Of course, this is not the color we wanted to win, but we will not take for granted the fact that we won a medal at the World Championships.
“A lot of teams would like to be in our position today, but as a group we haven’t forgotten that either. I’m proud of us.”
Mackenzie Alexander and Maxine Cimoloni scored for Canada. Emma Ekoluoma scored for Finland.
“The unique opportunity we had after losing in the semifinals was we had a chance to finish on a high,” Canada head coach Tara Watchoon said. “We were given another day and another chance to go out and represent our country with pride.
“We did a great job of that today.”
Primerano, who finished with 16 points (8-8), set a new record for single-tournament points by a defender. She recorded the second-highest overall score in the tournament’s history, finishing three points shy of the all-time high of 19 points set by American Amanda Kessel in 2009.
The United States was scheduled to play the Czech Republic for the gold medal later that day.
Canada has won gold in the last two editions of the tournament. Finland also finished in fourth place last year.
“This win speaks to how much character we have in our locker room,” Stonehouse said. “We dealt with adversity in the best way possible and showed the world what we’re capable of today. I’m so proud of the girls on this team.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 14, 2024.
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