In the opening match of the Under-18 Women’s World Championship, Canada dominated Switzerland with a 9-0 victory after scoring five goals in the first period. Alida Korte, the assistant captain, stood out with two goals and an assist, earning the player of the game title in the preliminary round. Additional goals and assists came from players like Rachel Piggott, Kendall Doiron, Laurie Aubin, and Adrianna Milani.
The Canadian team showcased its depth as Caileigh Tiller, Sofia Ismael, and Hayley McDonald also found the back of the net. Goalkeeper Léa-Rose Charrois made 11 saves to secure a shutout for Canada. Head coach Vicky Sunohara praised the team’s depth and emphasized the importance of maintaining performance consistency throughout the tournament.
Canada outshot Switzerland 51-11 during the game held at the Membertou Sport and Wellness Centre in Sydney, N.S. Despite a slow start, Sunohara commended the team’s ability to adapt quickly and improve as the match progressed. Moving forward, Canada is set to face Hungary in their next game.
In Group A, Canada, alongside Sweden, Hungary, and Switzerland, currently shares the lead with Sweden after their impressive victory. The team’s focus on a balanced playstyle, prioritizing defense before offense, was highlighted by Piggott, who commended the team’s hard work and dedication to creating scoring opportunities.
In other Group B matches, the United States dominated Slovakia with a 13-0 win, while Czechia secured a convincing 9-1 victory over Finland. The competition at the tournament is heating up as teams strive to secure their positions in the later stages of the championship.