Women and girls the big winners as Canada takes under-18 opener in Cape Breton

Team Canada won their first game against Switzerland at the World Under-18 Women’s Hockey Championship Saturday night in Cape Breton.

Team Canada’s first game against Switzerland at the World Under-18 Women’s Hockey Championship Saturday night in Cape Breton’s Membertou First Nation was an evening that saw women and girls take centre stage.

Kendall Doiron of Boylston, N.S., scored a goal and an assist in the first period to set the tone.

In the stands, three young girls brought a sign worthy of national television. It read, “She shoots, she scores – she inspires.”

“I think this is really cool and I just love to watch Canada play because it’s fun,” said Evie Bezanson, one of the three girls. She said she and her friends play in local girl’s hockey programs.

The spotlight was on the girls on the ice and the fans in the seats but Membertou First Nation was proud to share it.

“It’s beyond my expectations on what was going to happen here,” said Membertou Chief Terry Paul, who has been at the helm of the Mi’kmaq community since 1984.

“We want to make sure that they have really good memories when they get back home, and a lot of our own culture is seen in other countries,” Paul said.

Local volunteers have been pulling long hours but they say it’s worth it.

“I think it is already a perfect event,” said host committee chair Leijsa Wilton. “And I mean, we want Team Canada to win. That would make it the best - the icing, the cherry on the cake for sure.”

Canada beat Switzerland 9-0 to win their tournament opener.

Down the highway in Halifax, the Professional Women’s Hockey League featured a game between the Boston Fleet and Ottawa Charge in front of a sold out Scotiabank Centre on Sunday as part of the league’s second takeover tour.

“It’s female hockey,” said Paul. “It’s something that’s growing tremendously and we hope to help it grow.”

Canada’s next game is Monday evening at the Membertou Sport and Wellness Centre against Hungary.

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