Canada Continues To Cruise At U-18 Worlds

Canada took to the ice this afternoon facing Switzerland, looking to go up 2-0 to start the preliminary round of the 2025 U18 Women’s World Championship.

After a scoreless first period, which included a long four minute penalty kill against Canada, as well as shots heavily in favour of Canada, things opened up in the second. Goals came from Chloe Primerano, Dorothy Copetti (x2), Sara Manness for Canada, while the Swiss managed to also get on the board on a goal from Jael Manetsch. When all was said and done, Canada came out with their second victory, 5-1 and outshot the Swiss 60-11 in the process. Let’s check in on your Etobicoke Dolphins.

The line of Bertelsen-Piggott-Ismael, while technically listed as Canada’s fourth line, continues to be the best line for this team, as their chemistry is undeniable. Not only are they phenomenal on the offensive side of the game, but Lexie Bertelsen and Rachel Piggott were also counted on, once again, on the penalty kill. They were both big parts in killing off a long four minute penalty to Styker Zablocki, and blocked so many shots on each of the penalty kills throughout the game. Sofia Ismael brought her great playmaking abilities to this game and almost got on the board, especially late on some laser beams from in tight.

One player that may not get the attention she deserves: Ava Wood. She was once again listed as the 13th forward heading into this game and made effective use of each one of her shifts. Wood is always in the right spot at the right time and was so once again in this game. Wood made some great plays and was so hard to move in front of Switzerland’s goalie Amaya Iseli. Her incredible back check paid off on an assist in game one, and once again today with the primary assist on Copetti’s second of the game in the second period.

Riley Sorokan played another good game and picked up a secondary assist on Copetti’s first goal of the game, the second goal of the game. She came so close late in the third to scoring a goal in tight, showcasing her slick hands and stick handling.

Two games into this tournament and Sydney Sawyer continues to quietly do all the things right. In this game, she once again activated down low while also always finding a way to slow the play down and make the right play at either end of the ice.

All in all, an impressive team effort in the win, as they have now outshot their opponents 120-17 through two games.

Speaking of games, tomorrow is an off day for all teams. Canada will next play Czechia on Tuesday, a rematch of last year’s semi-finals.