Canada's Gardiner posts 3 points, Campbell pitches shutout in world championship debuts
Japan downs newcomer Norway; Sweden blanks Hungary for 2nd win in Czech Republic
The first game puck didn't last long.
Jennifer Gardiner's world championship debut for the Canadian women's hockey team featured her first goal, her second, and an assist in a 5-0 blanking of Finland on Thursday.
The ritual reward of a game puck wrapped in hockey tape inscribed with the date of the first goal resulted in a puck confiscated by 6:02 of the opening period when Gardiner produced the game's first goal at Ceske Budejovice Arena.
"It was one of the first things I was handed and a pretty incredible feeling, just to get it from my teammates, who were so supportive all night, and just have really created such a great environment to be part of," Gardiner said.
"To be able to score a goal is a huge honour and hope to continue it throughout the rest of the tournament."
The 23-year-old from Surrey, B.C., collected her second goal in the first minute of the second period after setting up captain Marie-Philip Poulin for a goal late in the first.
WATCH | Gardiner paces Canadian attack with 3 points against Finland:
Canadian goaltender Kristen Campbell was also due a souvenir after a 24-save shutout in her world championship debut.
"I think a puck," Campbell said. "The equipment manager was trying to find another puck, but we'll see if it happens."
Poulin and Ella Shelton each contributed a goal and an assist and Emma Maltais also scored for the defending champions in their tournament opener.
The Canadians faced a tight turnaround ahead of their second Pool A game at 3 p.m. local time Friday against the Swiss (0-1).
Gardiner's second goal halted the night of Finnish starter Emilia Kyrkko, who gave up four goals on 13 shots. Anni Keisala made 21 saves in relief in front of an announced crowd of 1,128.
The Montreal Victoire's top line of Gardiner, Poulin and Laura Stacey brought their PWHL dynamic to Czechia.
Stacey dished the puck low to Gardiner behind the net and a quick feed to Poulin on Finland's doorstep gave Canada a 3-0 lead heading into the second period.
"We've had the opportunity to play quite a bit together lately," Stacey said.
"Just having those extra reps in practice, I feel like it helps knowing where they're going to be, what they're going to do, what they like to do, and kind of where we all excel. If I can get the two of them the puck on the forecheck, they can put the puck in quite well."
The coach says Gardiner, a PWHL rookie, brings zing to the line that includes married couple Poulin and Stacey.
"They have a little bit of everything," he said. "Stacy and Pou are going to have some just natural chemistry, Stacey someone who will be first on pucks ... likes to take pucks below the goal line. Pou, the way she thinks the game is next level, can finish as good as anybody.
"Gardiner is a good mix of a little bit energy and a little bit of youthfulness, but enough skill as well."
Campbell's shutout in her sixth career start for Canada was redemptive after a rough previous outing.
She lasted a period in a 7-2 loss to the U.S. in a Rivalry Series game Nov. 6 when the Americans scored five times on 15 shots.
The Toronto Sceptres No. 1 netminder has been Canada's No. 3 in recent world championships and in the 2022 Olympic Games.
Campbell taking it 'one day at a time' in net
Ann-Renee Desbiens, who played those finals, was scratched Thursday for more preparation time. She hasn't played since suffering a lower-body injury March 18 with the Victoire.
Desbiens' regular backup with Canada, Emerance Maschmeyer, is on the PWHL's long-term injury reserve after the Ottawa Charge netminder was hurt on March 11.
So Campbell, the PWHL's top goalie in the league's inaugural 2023-24 season, arrived with a strong possibility of getting into a game.
"Just taking it one day at a time and knowing that I've prepared really hard for this opportunity, and whenever I'm called upon, I knew that I would be ready to go," Campbell said.
"I've almost played 20 games this season with the Sceptres and then last season as well, getting in there lots, just able to constantly build your game and constantly make improvements.
Newcomer Eve Gascon of Terrebone, Que., dressed as Campbell's backup Thursday.
With 36 goals and 43 assists, the 34-year-old Poulin from Beauceville, Que., moved closer to Hayley Wickenheiser's Canadian tournament records for career points (86) and assists (49) and Jayna Hefford's 40 goals.
Japan 4, Norway 2
Japan beat newly promoted Norway 4-2 at the women's ice hockey world championship on Thursday in Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
Andrea Dalen and Marthe Brunvold had a goal each for Norway to mark its return to the top division after a 27-year absence.
The 12-day, 10-nation tournament represents the final major international tune-up before the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
Sweden 2, Hungary 0
Sweden fought hard to overcome newcomer Hungary 2-0 for a second win at the women's ice hockey world championship.
Linnea Johansson broke the deadlock late in the middle period and had an assist for the second goal netted by Lina Ljungblom in the third period when the Hungarians outshot the Swedes 11-6.
Sweden goaltender Emma Soderberg stopped 24 shots.
Sweden beat Germany 5-2 in their opening game in Group B on Wednesday.
With files from The Associated Press
