Canada storms past U.S. in Saskatoon to cut Rivalry Series deficit to 3-2
Renata Fast scores 3rd-period winner less than 3 minutes after Ashton Bell's equalizer
Ashton Bell and Renata Fast scored in a 2:38 span in the third period and Canada stayed alive in the Rivalry Series, rallying to beat the United States 4-2 in Saskatoon on Wednesday night in Game 5.
Canada cut the Americans' series lead to 3-2 with two games left. They will remain in Saskatchewan for Game 6 in Regina on Friday night and complete the competition Sunday at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn.
Bell tied it with 8:31 left and Fast connected with 5:53 to go.
The U.S. opened the series in November with a 3-1 victory in Tempe, Ariz., and a 5-2 decision in Los Angeles. In December, the Americans won 3-2 in Kitchener, Ont., and Canada outlasted the U.S. 3-2 in a shootout in Sarnia, Ont..
Brianne Jenner and Laura Stacey also scored for Canada, with Stacey's being an empty netter in the final minute. Ann-Renée Desbiens made 14 saves.
WATCH l Canada climbs back into Rivalry Series with comeback win:
Grace Zumwinkle and Gabbie Hughes scored for the United States. Nicole Hensley stopped 24 shots.
Zumwinkle opened the scoring at 2:44 of the first period. Jenner tied it on a power play at 47 seconds of the second, and Hughes put the U.S. back in front with 6:14 left in the second.
Homecoming for two Saskatoon products
Saskatoon-born forward Emily Clark has been a mainstay on Canada's national senior hockey team for years, but Game 5 of the Rivalry Series was her first time donning the Maple Leaf jersey in her hometown.
She said the experience blew her expectations out of the water.
"I knew this was going to be a special night for me, I was definitely going to feel the love," Clark said.
"I kind of tried to lean into it, take some good looks around and warm up before the game and obviously try to spot my family, as I do every game that they're in the stands. [There were] a few more in the crowd today than normal."
Clark wasn't the only Saskatoon product representing Team Canada on Wednesday. She was happy to see Sophie Shirley join her on the ice to make her senior team debut in their hometown.
"In warm-ups I was kind of looking around and got a good look at the crowd and all the little girls that were there cheering us on, that was definitely a heartwarming feeling," Shirley said.
"Growing up in this area and being able to put myself in there and now being on the ice and being at this level is a pretty cool feeling."
Clark grew up playing hockey with Shirley's older brothers and described playing with Sophie at the SaskTel Centre as "a proud big sister" moment.
She said she hopes having Team Canada play in Saskatoon can provide hope for young girls in the stands that one day they could represent the national team.
"I'm really proud that we got to have this game here, get this win, got a lot of interactions with the crowd, our whole team inspiring. I know first hand all it takes is a few seconds and an autograph, and it can fuel a dream for a lifetime."
WATCH | Clark, Shirley suit up for Team Canada win in home city:
With files from CBC News
