Programs and Events 2009
USA Women’s Hockey – Hämeenlinna
April 4, 2009
USA Women’s Hockey – Hämeenlinna
The USA Women’s Hockey team skated into Finland last week to defend their title as the reigning World Champions! Yes, the 2009 International Ice Hockey Federation World Women's Championship are being held from April 4-12 in Hämeenlinna, Finland (about 1.5 hours north of Helsinki), and so far the USA Women’s team are living up to their reputations as hard skating World Champion hockey players with an open 9-0 win against Sweden in an exhibition match, and 8-0 tour de force win against the Japanese ladies team in the first preliminary match on Saturday April 4th.
With both the USA and Russia defeating Japan in their preliminary groupings, the stage was set for a face-off to decide which team will proceed to the Championship round later this week. US Embassy Helsinki Chargé d’Affaires Michael Butler was in attendance Monday to witness the match, and cheered on the U.S. Women's National Team as seven different players scored in an 8-0 rout of Russia to close out preliminary-round play with a perfect 2-0 record.
Canada and Finland are the other group winners joining the USA in the Championship qualification round, with the top two teams advancing to the Championship game. For the USA team, both opponents pose a real challenge to retaining the World Championship. On April 9th, the USA ladies face a solid Finland team with great fan support in their home arena; and on April 10th, a show down with Canada represents the renewal of a toughly contested and perennial rivalry. Depending on the outcome of these matches, the USA women hope to compete in the Championship game on April 12th.
Below are few links to learn more about U.S. Women's National Team and the International Ice Hockey Federation World Women's Championships: