Ottawa Citizen
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THREE NATIONS WOMEN'S HOCKEY
U.S. WINS DATE WITH CANADA
U.S. 4, Finland 3
By Nahlah Ayed, Citizen correspondent
Saturday, October 26, 1996


URL: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/online/1996/oct26/spo/spo1/spo1.html


[Photo -- Finland's Heli Romu attempts to impede A.J. Mleczko of the
U.S. from breaking up ice with the puck.]


The United States gained entry into the Three Nations Women's Hockey
Tournament final against Canada with a 4-3 win over Finland at the
Jim Durrell Arena on Friday.

The teams stayed close throughout the contest before the U.S. scored
the winner late in the third period.

The small crowd of about 250 people clearly favored a Finland
victory.

Finland opened the scoring in the first period with a goal at 8:14
by forward Marianne Ihalainen, assisted by Maria Selin and Kirsi
Hänninen.

Two minutes later, the U.S. responded with a goal by forward Andrea
Kilbourne, assisted by Patricia Dunn.

Finland went up 2-1 in the second period when Sari Fisk scored early
in the period.

The Americans then picked up the pace and put Finland on the
defensive for most of the first half of the period. Cammie Granato
and Karyn Bye scored consecutive goals within a three-minute span.

Finland responded with Fisk scoring her second of the game to
provide a 3-3 tie entering the third period.

The score remained tied until Granato scored her second of the game
with four minutes remaining, assisted by Stephanie O'Sullivan.

Finland failed on several attempts to get back on even terms.

U.S. head coach Ben Smith credited his team's work ethic for the
victory.

"They extended us for the three periods," Smith said. "This was
another hard-fought game, it was just like the games we've already
had."

After four games, Smith said he has had a good opportunity to scout
the opposition.

"I think the teams are pretty balanced, hopefully we'll keep up our
tempo and presence," Smith said.

"We just want to play solid two-way hockey."

Canada and the U.S. have won first and second place, respectively,
in all three women's world championships. Their meeting in the final
game is expected to be heated.

"Both teams are trying to establish a winning tradition," Smith
said.

Canada, 3-1 in tournament play, is in good shape for Sunday's game
with only one injury.

Karen Nystrom, who was injured in Thursday's game against the U.S.
and taken to hospital with what was thought to be a serious injury,
may even be able to play on Sunday.

Canada will meet the U..S in the final game 3 p.m. Sunday at the
Ottawa Civic Centre.

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Copyright © 1996 The Ottawa Citizen