Red hot pink jerseys

As you’re reading this, the World Ringette Championship is already over, but the 1,000 people who gathered at the arena on this nice Sunday got a taste of world-class competition as the national team was facing the defending world champ Finland.

Both teams exchanged two goals at the beginning of the first period before the Finnish ring/rink masters took over. The fast-paced play allowed the blue team to score five unanswered goals in front of a crowd that, no matter what the scoreboard displayed, kept cheering for its national team and local hero.

Perhaps all this support gave a boost to the pink-wearing Canadians as they scored the last two goals of the game to tighten the final score at 7-4. The difference maker was Finland’s #10 Anne Pohjola. She was able to find the back of the net twice and lead the offense with her agile style of play.

However, all eyes were on Stéphanie Séguin. “I felt very proud playing in St. Laurent, it gave me even more energy,” she said right after the game. “It’s disappointing that the score doesn’t really reflect what happened on the ice, because now we feel ready for next week. We were aggressive, but we need to be careful with penalties to avoid power plays.”

Catherine Cartier, who began her ringette career in St. Laurent, also received tremendous support from the crowd and played a well-balanced game.

The Canadian players were apparently able to carry on the energy they received at the Raymond-Bourque arena as they beat Sweden in their first match in Ottawa. Will they be able to win it all? Be sure to read the November 11 edition of the St. Laurent News.

(Translated by Pascal LeBlanc)

(Photo: Martin Alarie)

(Photo: Martin Alarie)

(Photo: Martin Alarie)

(Photo: Courtoisie)

(Photo: Courtoisie)

(Photo: Courtoisie)