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Canadian women's hockey team cruising into Olympic semifinal against Switzerland

BEIJING — Canada has played in every women's hockey final since the sport made its Olympic debut in 1998. The Canadians intend to play for gold again in 2022, but that requires dispatching Switzerland in Monday's semifinal in Beijing.
Donna Spencer, The Canadian Press
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Canada players (left to right) Jamie Lee Rattray (47), Renata Fast (14), Sarah Fillier (10) and Natalie Spooner (24) celebrate Fillier's third goal of the game against Sweden during third period women's quarter-final round hockey action at the Beijing Winter Olympics in Beijing, China, on Friday, Feb. 11, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

BEIJING — Canada has played in every women's hockey final since the sport made its Olympic debut in 1998. 

The Canadians intend to play for gold again in 2022, but that requires dispatching Switzerland in Monday's semifinal in Beijing.

Defending champion United States takes on Finland before the semifinal victors clash for gold Thursday at Wukesong Sports Centre.

Canada won four straight gold from 2002 to 2014, but the U.S. prevailed 3-2 in a shootout four years ago in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

Canada opened Pool A in Beijing with a 12-1 thrashing of the Swiss the day before the opening ceremonies, but paid a price for the win. 

Forward Mélodie Daoust, who led her country in scoring en route to a world championship last summer, hasn't played since sustaining an upper-body injury in the second period of that game.

Her teammates have more than backfilled the loss of Daoust's production. They've outscored the opposition 44-5 heading into Monday, including a 4-2 win over the Americans in the preliminary round.

Speedy feet, hands and brains have been Canada's hallmark in Beijing with fast breakouts, quick transitions and relentless puck cycling.

"I talked a lot so far this tournament about our better transition," said assistant captain Brianne Jenner of Oakville, Ont. "I think it starts there. Our D are playing really aggressive, activating lots and moving the puck north as soon as they can."

Several Canadians are closing in on Olympic tournament records. 

With eight goals each, Jenner and 21-year-old Sarah Fillier are one off the record of nine held jointly by Canada's Meghan Agosta and Switzerland's Stephanie Marty from 2010.

Captain Marie-Philip Poulin and Natalie Spooner at 10 assists apiece are closing in on Hayley Wickenheiser's tournament-high 12 set in 2006.

Canada's Wickenheiser also holds the tournament points record of 17, and Spooner has 13.

Every skater on the Canadian team except Daoust has at least one point in Beijing, and that bodes well for the big games upcoming, according to head coach Troy Ryan.

"We haven't got individual offence in our thinking and that's nice to see," the coach said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 12, 2022.

Donna Spencer, The Canadian Press