CAPE TOWN - Today, February 22, our national ladies played the second game of their World Championship campaign in Cape Town, South Africa. Today's opponent was Australia. It turned out to be a genuine thriller!
An exciting first period followed with opportunities for both teams, which were not cashed in. Huge pressure from Down Under on the Belgian goal with 17 shots against 4 of our ladies. Goalie Nina Van Orshaegen keeps the Belgian Blades in the game with a string of fantastic saves. Our ladies turn out to be the underdog in this match but try to impose their rhythm on the Mighty Roos. Unfortunately, some great opportunities remain untapped. Nevertheless, the Blades hold on and leave the ice at 0-0 at the end of the first period.
In the second period, the duel intensifies and both teams increase the pressure. When Australia's Marnie Pullin moves to the penalty box in the 25th minute for an illegal hit, the Belgian Blades take full advantage of the power play. Anke Steeno plays the puck to Chinook Van Calster who fires from the blue line. Femke Bosmans screens the goalie and tips the puck into the goal. The Belgians lead against top favorite Australia! Our ladies get a second chance to widen the gap. Lotte de Guchtenaere skates away all alone in a break away and tries to outwit goalie Imogen Perry, but she makes a narrow save. The Belgians leave the ice after the second period with an important boost, the 1-0 lead on the scoreboard.
In the third period, the game evolves into a real nail-biter. Both teams continue to increase the pressure. The Aussies still very offensive, making our Blades play more physical leading to several trips to the penalty box. The game remains exciting until the last second with the Aussies swapping goalie Perry for a sixth player against four Blades in a penalty kill. However, Van Orshaegen confirms, with a shutout and the MVP Team trophy as a result!
“Collectively, our ladies played an incredible game,” said Coach Sven Van Buren. “They executed the tactical plan to defend our blue line in detail. In our defensive zone, we have sent Australia to the outside. This was also agreed in advance with the entire team. All this in combination with an excellent Nina in goal, we managed to beat the title contender. The entire team is therefore very satisfied, and the entire staff is extremely proud of this achievement.”
Final score: 1-0 (0-0; 1-0; 0-0) with a goal by Femke Bosmans.
Team MVP Belgium: Nina Van Orshaegen #1
Gameschedule
21/02/23 - 20:00 (19:00 CET) – BEL vs. CRO: 10-1
22/02/23 - 16:00 (15:00 CET) – BEL vs. AUS: 1-0
24/02/23 - 16:00 – (15:00 CET) – NZL vs. BEL:
26/02/23 - 18:00 (17:00 CET) – RSA vs. BEL: