The Canadian women’s hockey team opened its quest to reclaim Olympic gold with a 12-1 win over Switzerland on Thursday at the Beijing Games.
Blayre Turnbull, Sarah Fillier, Natalie Spooner and Laura Stacey scored two goals apiece for Canada. Rebecca Johnston, Ashton Bell, Claire Thompson and Erin Ambrose added singles.
“We played well, but I think we can even play better, turning up the ice even quicker than we did today,” Spooner said. “Obviously not having played (since Dec. 17), we were just starting to get back into it, building on the lead and keep playing faster moving forward.”
Lara Stalder’s power-play goal midway through the third period ended Canada goalie Ann-Renee Desbiens’ shutout bid.
Desbiens made a highlight-reel save on Stalder earlier, getting her glove up for the stop while sliding after blocking a rebound.
HOW?!?!?!
Ladies and gentlemen: @adesbiens30 pic.twitter.com/XSD0pOORU3
— Team Canada (@TeamCanada) February 3, 2022
Canada outshot the Swiss 70-15.
Canada suffered a blow midway through the second period when veteran forward Melodie Daoust exited after she was hit by Swiss defenceman Sarah Forster while skating into the offensive zone.
Hockey Canada update on Melodie Daoust:
“She is resting and continues to be assessed by our medical teams. No further details as to her status for the next game.”@CBCOlympics
— Kenzie Lalonde (@KenzieLalonde_) February 3, 2022
Daoust is competing in her third Olympic Games. She was named tournament MVP at the 2018 Games in PyeongChang after scoring three goals and seven points to help Canada win silver and she also won the MVP award at the 2021 World Championships.
Canada lost to the United States in the 2018 PyeongChang final, ending a run of four consecutive Olympic gold medals.
Canada returns to action on Friday at 11:10 p.m. ET against Finland.
Earlier that day, Team Canada captain Marie-Philip Poulin will carry the flag along with short-track speedskater Charles Hamelin at the Opening Ceremony.
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