Saturday 5th September
The Tournament starts today!!! Each game consisted of two 15 minute periods, stop time and we were all really nervous when we woke up. Just so anxious to get on the ice and play!
11.00 am: Peking Pumas v Women’s Irish National Team Select
The first game of the day was against the tournament hosts, Peking Pumas. We were feeling somewhat confident, since we had played this team in last year’s tournament. We scored our first goal of the game during the eighth minute of the second period, after an intense battle in front of the opposition’s net, team Captain Anne Whipple put the puck in the back of the net. A late penalty following this coupled with our goalie Seanna Conway losing her stick, resulted in the team relinquishing a goal with 45 seconds remaining in the game. Despite fighting hard to regain the lead, the game ended 1-1. Seanna’s hard work was acknowledged when she received the player of the match award.
6.00 pm: Sodertalje SK v Women’s Irish National Team Select
After a 7 hour rest, we were back on the ice for our second game of the day against eventual tournament winners Sodertalje SK. This proved to be a very physical game, with two of our players sustaining injuries. Kate Morrison was our first casualty of the match after being hit from behind. Shortly afterwards, Kit Thornton sustained fractured ribs having been butt ended by the opposition’s forward, leaving the team down two defenders. Despite a final score of 7-0, both goalies Seanna Conway and Rebekah Burke played an outstanding period each with a combined total of 70 saves. Clara O’Reilly received the award for player of the match.
8:00 pm: Riga Ice Girls v Women’s Irish National Team Select
The final game of the day was against the Riga Ice Girls. Despite a good start, we conceded a goal at the end of the first period and another halfway through the second period, after the team were caught short on a change. On a positive note, we remained disciplined on our penalty kill, allowing no power play goals. Player of the match went to Catherine O’Reilly.