Jessie Eldridge scored the game-winning goal on the power play as Canada defeated the United States 3-1 on Tuesday in a preseason game for the World Women’s Hockey Championship.
Sarah Fillier, also on the power play, and Blayre Turnbull scored Canada’s other goals.
Lee Stecklein was the lone scorer for the American squad.
Ann-Renée Desbiens started the game in front of the Canada net and conceded one goal on eight shots. Kristen Campbell replaced her and blocked all 12 pucks aimed at her.
For the United States, Nicole Hensley allowed two goals on nine shots. She gave way to Maddie Rooney, who faced five shots and gave up a goal.
The Americans had taken the lead thanks to Stecklein’s goal, scored at 5:50 of the first period. Turnbull tied the game at 2:27 into the middle period.
Eldrige broke that tie midway through the second period, while Savannah Harmon served a minor tripping penalty.
“When you’re playing with players of the caliber of my teammates, I think you can just get out of the way and find the open spaces knowing that they’ll be able to get the puck to you. Often, we forget the beautiful plays of the other players, and the one who scores who gets the attention. But I really think the credit goes to those players,” Eldridge said of her level of confidence heading into the World Championship.
Fillier added the insurance goal in the third period during an obstruction penalty to Grace Zumwinkle.
Canada’s women’s hockey team will be looking for a third major title in a row, following triumphs at the 2021 World Championship and 2022 Olympics. In both cases, Canada beat the United States 3- 2 in the final.
The World Championship begins Thursday and Canada will face Finland.
“It’s a great source of pride for our team,” said Turnbull, referring to the opportunity for her and her team to defend the title of world champions.
“We understand the magnitude of the challenge ahead of us, since all the teams will be waiting for us,” added Turnbull. We can’t wait to start the tournament. »