Natalie Spooner Nets Two Against Team Switzerland, Team Canada Wins 3-1

Photo Credit: ©Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

2/8/2014

Team Canada took on Team Switzerland in the semifinals this morning. Florence Schelling was a source of confidence and motivation for Team Switzerland during the last two periods while Team Canada dominated the first period.

It was all Team Canada in the first period even though they started off slow. About halfway through the first period, Natalie Spooner shot a wrister at the Swiss net and opened the scoring for Canada. Spooner scored again a few minutes later during the power play. Unlike February 8th, Hayley Wickenheiser got two assists today but couldn’t seem to buy herself a goal against Schelling. Daoust scored to make it 3-0 going into the second period.

On a Canadian penalty kill, the Swiss scored which seemed to changed the game. That one goal seemed to have energized the underdogs and their confidence seemed to skyrocket. From then on, the Canadian women looked as though they were playing on edge as the Swiss women gained momentum and looked more self-assured. The Canadians fought back a bit with grit that turned into penalties, and the Swiss confidence led to shots on net.

The third period was all Team Switzerland as they played loose and calm while their goalie kept them in alive through another period. When Agosta finally netted a goal, it was called off as the ref said she drove Schelling into the net. From what I saw, the Swiss defense looked to have pushed Agosta into the net. In the end, Team Canada won this semifinal game with a final score of 3-1.

Here’s what it all comes down to…
On Thursday, February 20th, Team Switzerland takes on Team Sweden to play for the bronze medal while Team Canada battles Team USA for the gold. Do not miss these games!

Go Team Canada!