THIRD CONSECUTIVE GOLD FOR CANADA

Trentino – Italy, Dec 21, 2013: Canada’s men’s ice hockey team grabbed the last gold medal at the Winter Universiade Trentino 2013. The North-Americans won against Kazakhstan in the final match of the ice hockey tournament in Alba di Canazei with 6-2. The result mirrors the total Canadian supremacy over Kazakhstan, whose players only had to content themselves with silver.

Coach MacDougall’s squad will bring home the most precious metal after the bronze obtained in the Universiade 2011, thus concluding an almost perfect percourse.

Kazakhstan accumulated 155 minutes of penalties and a red card to coach Plyuchshev due to his protests. Canadian captain Chris Culling, protagonist with two goals and an assist said: “We are very glad about our victory. Kazakhstan is an outstanding team, we could not expect such a large victory also because anything could happen in an ice hockey match. We’re enjoying this victory, our guys have deserved it”.

However, after only 14 seconds into the first period, Kazakhstan took the lead with Alexandr Shin who greatly managed Rymarev’s assist. It was the fastest goal in an ice hockey finale at Universiades. Canada responded, drawing at 03:39 with Mike Cazzola and in the next two minutes chalked up two goals, with Josh Day and Matt Maione, whose shot was unexpectedly diverted by Metalnikov into the net.

In the second period, Chris Culligan scored the 4:1 for the North-American team. Coach Plyuchshev’s squad became nervous and started to leave several powerplays to its competitors, as well as two match-penalties: Kaznacheyev and Vorontsov ended in the locker room. At 32:03, Canada, thanks to its competitors’ behavior, scored the 5:1 with a shot by Nick MacNeil, but also having two players more on ice.

The third period was a very easy one for the Canadians, whereas Kazakhastan suffered other penalties and even coach Vladimir Plyuchshev was expelled. Canada scored its sixth goal at 48:32, thanks again to Culligan who defeated goalie Yabnkov with a precise shot.

Kazakhstan’s team tried to cover the gap with a goal by Shin, but this was already the last score oft he last match. Few fights later, the final siren declared the end of the match with the Canadian double. Canada women’s ice hockey team also will fly home with gold around their necks.

WOMEN’S ICE HOCKEY: THIRD CONSECUTIVE GOLD FOR CANADA

At the 26th Winter Universiade Trentino 2013, Canada won women’s ice hockey tournament at the ice stadium of Pergine. The North-American team conquered their third consecutive Universiade title since women’s ice hockey was introduced in 2009.

In Pergine, the team coached by Howie James Draper beat Russia 5-0 (1-0, 2-0, 2-0). The first goal arrived in the 14th minute of the game thanks to the action of Jessica Pinkerton. In the second period, the Canadians extended their lead with goals of Smith and Clement Heydra. At the end of the third period came also the goal by Brooker and the second score of the day for Smith. Canada continues its positive streak at Winter Universiades and remains undefeated at Universiades. In the afternoon, Team USA won bronze with a 3-1 (1-1, 0-0, 2-0) against Japan.

They said:

Kim Deschenes, captain of Team Canada: “It was a great match; for our nation is a pride to win these Winter Universiade title for the third time in a row. I will party all night long with my team-mates. During these two weeks, they have made this adventure an unforgettable experience. I hope to return again to Trentino in the future, it is such a beautiful region!”

Elina Mitrofanova – Russia’s team captain: “For us, this silver is like gold. We never thought to get on the podium before the tournament started. We arrived here in Trentino as outsiders. We gave everything, also in this very last game. Canada was stronger and they deserved to win.”

United States captain Captain Ramey Weaver: “For us, it is a great thing to be on the podium. We wouldn’t have thought that it would go so well. Now we deserve a good party – this event created a strong team spirit within us.” —- Photos: Matteo Bettega e Enrico Pretto, Federico Modica, Max Pattis e Daniele Rodorigo