Sign in Subscribe
International

Bach’s overtime goal lifts Canada to first Rivalry Series win

US leads the series 2-1 with two more games to play

VICTORIA, B.C - Canada jumped back into the Rivalry Series with a 3-2 overtime win over arch rival, USA. Victoria Bach scored the winning goal in 3-on-3 overtime, and Brianne Jenner had a goal and an assist. After the U.S. took a 2-1 third period lead, Brigette Lacquette scored on the power play to send the game into overtime.

An unsung hero made sure Canada completed their comeback and took home the win.

”I can probably say that was one of the biggest goals of my career,” Bach revealed. “It was super exciting, being a younger player and just getting a chance to get out there in overtime, I want to make an impact and help my team win. It was a great play overall by my teammates. A beautiful pass by Blayre. Overall I think it was a great win in front of all these fans.”

Ann-Renée Desbiens made 20 saves to earn the win for Canada. The series will now shift to Rogers Arena in Vancouver on Wednesday night where Canada will look to tie the series at two games apiece.

A crowd of 7,006 was on hand at the Save-On Foods Memorial Centre. The visitors had the best scoring chance in a tightly checked first period. Monique Lamoureux-Morando fired a shot that struck the post. The U.S. had a pair of power plays but failed to score.

Canada would open the scoring early in the second period. While Melodie Daoust was serving a hooking penalty, Canada was able to catch the U.S. with a turnover in the neutral zone. Emily Clark found a loose puck and sent Jenner in alone.

The Oakville, Ontario native lost control of the puck as she deked U.S. goalie Nicole Hensley. Nevertheless, the puck slide through Hensley’s legs and Canada was ahead 1-0 thanks to a shorthanded goal. Whether or not Jenner meant to lose the puck and score, she wasn’t about to explain how the puck managed to find the back of the net.

”I’ll never tell, I’ll never tell,” Jenner said of her goal. “I’ll let the video speak. I was happy that it went in. Nursey (Emily Clark) made a great pass and then I was sprung. It was nice to be able to get that one.”

Canada’s lead was short-lived as USA Hockey quickly tied the game at 1-1. While Natalie Spooner was in the box, Alex Carpenter setup in behind the Canada net. Carpenter found Knight for a wicked one-timer. Knight delivered a top corner rocket for her 200th point with USA Hockey.

”I actually had no idea it was my 200th until Kendall told me,” Knight explained post-game. “She came up to me on the bench after. Obviously you want to get it when you win, that’s all that matters is winning. The personal accolades are great, but at the end of the day, you want to win as a team.”

USA Hockey started the final period applying all sorts of pressure on net. Canada’s in ability to clear the zone cost them as the U.S. scored to take an early third period lead. Dani Cameranesi found Harmon in the slot with all sorts of time and space. The Illinois native, fired blocker side to give her team their first lead of the game.

”It was definitely an awesome feeling,” Harmon said. “Thanks to Dani, she did all the hard work on that and gave me a couple of chances. I was just happy to contribute.”

As the visitors looked like they would have the lead for good, Canada had other ideas. Lacquette hammered home a slap-shot on the power play to tie the game once again, and send the rivalry series into 3-on-3 overtime.

It was a game full of momentum and Canada could feel the crowd behind them as the extra session began. As the clocked ticked down, Blayre Turnbull and Bach were 2-on-1 entering the U.S. zone. Turnbull fed Bach who scored on a backhand to give Canada a 3-2 victory.

The two teams will tangle again on Wednesday night. This will be the first time Hockey Canada’s women’s team has played in Vancouver since the 2010 Olympics Gold medal game.

How to Watch: Games 3-5 of the Rivalry Series

Read next

Comments ()