Canada finished the preliminary round of the women’s ice hockey world championship with a perfect record Wednesday, beating Finland 2-0 behind a 25-save shutout from Ann-Renee Desbiens, according to Associated Press reporting published by CBC.

The result was Canada’s third consecutive shutout in Group B. Caitlin Kraemer scored in the opening period, and Sarah Fillier added the other Canadian goal in the third.

Kraemer’s scoring play began in her own defensive zone. She carried the puck along the boards before beating Finnish goaltender Sanni Ahola to put Canada ahead. That goal remained the difference until Fillier extended the lead in the final period, while Desbiens kept Finland off the scoreboard.

Canada now moves into Friday’s quarterfinals, where it will meet the fourth-place finisher from Group A. Switzerland and the Czech Republic remained the possible opponents in the supplied report; Canada’s matchup had not yet been settled.

The game also marked a milestone for Finland captain Jenni Hiirikoski. Appearing in a record 17th world championship, she became the first woman to play 100 games at the tournament.

Elsewhere Wednesday, Germany came from behind to defeat Switzerland 3-1 in Group A in Esbjerg. Alessia Baechler gave Switzerland the lead in the opening period before Germany turned the game around in the second.

Laura Kluge and Katarina Jobst-Smith scored 55 seconds apart to move Germany in front. Emily Nix added Germany’s third goal, and the victory moved the Germans into second place in the group with eight points.

The United States had already secured first place in Group A ahead of its game against the Czechs later Wednesday. Its playoff opponent would be either Denmark or Japan. Sweden and Japan were scheduled to play the final preliminary-round game in Group B.

Sources