URL:http://www.canoe.ca/TorontoSports/9704020026.html April 2, 1997 TOURNEY ABUZZ WITH FULL-CONTACT DEBATE By STEVE BUFFERY Toronto Sun KITCHENER --  The hot topic at the women's world hockey championship this week is body checking, namely that many of the European players believe the game never will become a hit until they're allowed to hit.   After being spanked 7-0 by the United States on Monday afternoon, the captain of the Norwegian team complained that her team would have had a better chance against the faster, more skilful Americans if body checking was allowed in women's hockey.   And then a couple of the Swiss players echoed a similar sentiment Monday night after being demoralized 6-0 by Team Canada (and being outshot 61-5). The Swiss sang the same tune: hockey is part of hitting and the weaker European teams might stand a better chance of defeating Canada or the U.S. if they could slow the North Americans down along the boards or in open ice with a shot.   However, not everyone is buying into the argument that hitting would balance out the women's game and make it more attractive sport domestically and internationally.   Canadian coach Shannon Miller played in the national championship in the early and mid-1980s when hitting was allowed and, while she enjoyed body checking, she believes the rough stuff hurt the game.   "It was fun, but women's hockey kept at the same pace, it didn't grow much," said Miller, a Calgary police officer. "And a lot of mothers put their daughters in ringette because there's no hitting in that sport.   "Now that there's no intentional body-checking, although body contact is allowed, more and more mothers are allowing their daughters to go into female hockey and the game is growing and developing around the world."   STILL UPSET: Miller still is smarting over a report that goaltender Manon Rheaume, easily the most recognizable female player in the world, was cut by the Nats last week because she plays in a pro league against men and the Canadian team coaching staff had a problem with that.   "The reality is, if you play for Team Canada, it's about character, passion and pride, not about fame and fortune," Miller said. "Fame and fortune doesn't hinder you, but you have to start with a clean slate when you show up to try out."   "It doesn't matter who you are, where you've been or what you've done. The bottom line is, Manon ended up ranked third and there are only two spots."   One of those spots was taken by Danielle Dube, 21, of Vancouver, who played this season in the Western Professional League against men. TORONTO SUN _________________________________________________________________ CANOE home Copyright (c) 1997, Canoe Limited Partnership. All rights reserved.