The Canadian Women’s National Hockey Team is preparing for the Vancouver Winter Olympics by playing some men’s teams. To even the advantage that the men would have, body checking is not allowed. This follows the rules by which women’s hockey is played. Nevertheless, there are some bumps and bruises along the way:
“… Calgarian Carla MacLeod was knocked out of the game after she collided with Bison Trent Ouellette, who was assessed a major penalty for tripping, assessed a game misconduct and ejected.
“I don’t think the guy was trying to do anything, he just caught her going the wrong way,” women’s captain Hayley Wickenheiser said after the game. “Small player hits bigger player, that’s what happens.”
link: Bisons help Canada prep
For the men, this is not just a fun exhibition match against the national team. A win counts in the league standings, so there is motivation to win.
It is rigorous competition for the women’s team. The risk is that there will be injuries along the way. It is a calculated gamble in Olympic preparation. The premise is that no other women’s team will be as rugged and skilled as these men’s teams.
Catherine Forsythe
[Photo by Harry How/Getty Images]
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