Photo: Harriet Kallio
Women’s tournament was opened with classic matchup between neighbors Finland and Sweden. Sweden being reigning champion was as strong as expected.
Finnish team had their moments, but Swedish attacking play was efficient. Final score was 8-0 for Sweden. Seven Swedish players scored a goal, and only player to score twice was Karla Thuresson. Tilda Ström scored one goal and assisted two goals.
Finland had their best goalscoring chance on 54th minute. Petra Verhelä however narrowly missed a penalty stroke.
Head coach Antero Levänen already turned his focus to the upcoming matches.
-We don’t focus on the numbers, but look beyond them. The 25 minutes of the second half were good. We played on equal terms with Sweden, and the players really stepped up. It was important to get a high-tempo, quality game and to get into the tournament atmosphere.
The women’s tournament continues for Finland on Thursday with a match against Norway.
-Now it’s time to recover and go through the game. There’s no need to dwell on this!
Sweden succeeded with a balanced and wide offensive effort, as seven different players were listed among the goal scorers. Karla Thuresson recorded 2+1, while Tilda Ström finished with 1+2.
Women’s second game between Norway and United States was evenly contested for a long time. Norwegian team controlled the gameplay and ball, but struggled to create good scoring chances. American defense and goalkeeper Sarah Schneider were good.
Norwegians did however open scoring, when Laura Follesø put the ball past Schneider. United States tied the game with Kenzie Prater’s goal.
Norwegians finally managed to get the lead again on 74th minute. Americans succesfully defended corner stroke, but rebound was struck in by Ina Dahl. In the last minutes of the game Norwegians scored twice and sealed the victory. Goals were scored by Charlotte Selbekk and Marie Nordbø.
Before matches the spectators had a chance to see different type of skill and speed on skates. Team Minion from Figure skating club Porin Muodostelmaluistelijat performed their show called Hubotit.
Team Minion consists of 19 enthusiast and young skaters, aged between 9-13 years. Team practises five times per week and works very hard.
Team Minion won recenlty a bronze medal in regional championship.
