ÖSTERSUND, Sweden – Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team finished the preliminary round unbeaten at the 2023 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship after a 3-1 victory over the United States on Wednesday.

• Caitlin Kraemer (Waterloo, Ont./Kitchener, OWHA U22 Elite) had two goals, bringing her into a tie for the tournament lead with six.
• Emmalee Pais (London, Ont./London, OWHA U22 Elite) had a goal and an assist.
• Charlotte Pieckenhagen (Mississauga, Ont./Mississauga, OWHA U22 Elite) had a pair of assists.
• Abby Lunney (Holland Landing, Ont./Central York, OWHA U22 Elite) provided a helper.
• Hannah Clark (Oshawa, Ont./Etobicoke, OWHA U22 Elite) made 11 saves.
• Canada outshot the U.S. 38-12.

Next Game:
Canada vs. TBD (semifinal) – Saturday, January 14 (time TBD)

TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, will broadcast the quarterfinals, semifinals and medal games from Östersund Arena; please check local listings for details.

Quotes:
“It was cool to see everyone bring it tonight. They focused on the habits, what we do well and were able to put together one shift after another; it was fun to watch. We always get excited to play the U.S., [our team] was ready to go from the moment they woke up this morning, hoping to get to another level. Our thing is getting better every day and we are going to find a way to do it culturally on the ice and off the ice. We will take the next two days to do that.”
• Assistant coach Tara Watchorn (Newcastle, Ont./Stonehill College, NEWHA) on finding a new level

“The energy was pretty high on the bench and on the ice. It was a great game; it is always fun to play the U.S. with our rivalry. It is my first time personally in Europe, I like it here, it is fun. The girls are a lot of fun and our energy is high. We need to keep going and keep winning.”
• Alexia Aubin (Lévis, Que./Stanstead College, JWHL) on playing a high-energy game

“Our team played an amazing game; we hustled and were relentless from start to finish. I was able to stay square to the puck and not bite on anything [during the penalty shot]. It is really special [playing against the U.S.]. I love the group that surrounds me, I am super thankful to be able to play for this team and for all of these girls. This experience is awesome.”
• Clark on playing for the team in front of her

For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.