Rest for the body, but a prepared mind. This was the objective of the Canadian team on Friday.
The Canadians did not skate, but held intense discussions in small groups to prepare for Saturday’s semi-final against the Czech Republic at the Women’s World Hockey Championship, but also in preparation for the final the next day.
“You always have the final in mind,” said Canada head coach Troy Ryan. You always have to juggle what’s best for you today and tomorrow, but also the potential impact for the gold medal game. »
The reigning American champions will cross swords with Finland in the other semi-final, Saturday, before the duel of the representatives of the maple leaf against the Czechs, bronze medalists in 2022 and 2023.
With the medal matches on Sunday, Canada will finish the tournament as it started, that is to say with two matches in less than 24 hours. This will also be the team’s third two-game sequence in as many days at the World Cup.
In twelve days, the Canadians had only four days during which they did not take the ice.
“If you’re tired, your head isn’t there,” said the head coach. You may benefit more from having a well-rested, mentally present athlete who understands the concepts you are trying to teach than from a tired athlete who has had a chance to practice for 20 minutes. »
Rather than holding a single team meeting, the coaches met with the lines and defensive pairs separately for more detailed analyses.
“It can be more specific,” Ryan said. We’re not just talking about team concepts, but also things the trio experienced during the tournament. »
The Czech Republic is led by former Canada defender Carla MacLeod. The two-time Olympic gold medalist will lead her squad against her former team in a World Cup qualifier for the first time on Saturday.
Canada blanked the Czechs 5-0 in a preliminary match thanks to a 13-save performance from Ann-Renée Desbiens.
“Some aspects of this match are exactly what we want from our players,” Ryan commented. “At certain times, we put incessant pressure on the puck, then when we had control of the puck, we were calm and patient. »
Emerance Maschmeyer was Canada’s starting goaltender in the 5-1 quarterfinal win over Sweden, with the goal of allowing Desbiens to start both games this weekend.
A dozen players scored for Canada. Kristin O’Neill leads in points with two goals and three assists. Defender Renata Fast scored a team-high three times.
The Canadians dominated their opponents 17-3 in the table, but lost 1-0 in overtime against the Americans. They allowed them 30 shots, indicating that they will have to do more when pushed to the limit by the defending champions.
“We still have work to do and we know we can be better,” said forward Laura Stacey. “Being a united team, being a team that is strong at all levels, that’s how you win championships. »
The trio composed of Quebec captain Marie-Philip Poulin, the most valuable player of the World Cup in 2023, Sarah Fillier, and the most valuable player of the 2022 Olympic Games, Brianne Jenner, has still not found its rhythm, being limited to two goals in five games so far.