Hard-fought exhibition play between the Leaside Junior Wildcats and Team China saw the local girls defeat the visitors 3 to 0 at Don Mills Arena Tuesday night. The International Women’s Hockey match was a useful experience for both teams. The Chinese Ice Hockey Association is taking the game seriously and was eager to have its team meet — – and learn from — a face off with a competitive Canadian squad. The first period was scoreless despite a Leaside penalty. In the second frame, the Wildcats capitalized on a Chinese penalty when Cynthia Cavanagh scored at 13.52. That goal was followed a few minutes later with another from Emma Pye. Katriona McNeilly got the last Leaside marker at 11.42 of the third period. There were some understandable teen nerves showing among the 15 to 17 years-olds. One Team China girl left her jersey behind at the hotel and had to borrow a red Leaside shirt from the home team. Sporting the name “Reid” on her back, she matched her teammates gear in colour only. Don Mills had its perimeter heaters going full blast but the evening was a chilly one even by the standard of the hockey arena. Many fans made good use of the Tim Horton’s inside the next-door Metro. Photo: Action in front of the China net. (The South Bayview Bulldog) Below, teams together by CDowdall via Twitter.
