Canada's Gardiner posts 3 points, Campbell pitches shutout in world championship debuts
CBC
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.
Run 3 Space | Play Space Running Game
Traffic Jam 3D | Online Racing Game
Duck Hunt | Play Old Classic Game
In about one year, the Toronto Tempo could have their franchise player.
Canadian Corey Conners went from a five-shot deficit to one shot behind McIlroy in a span of three holes on this wild Saturday at the Masters in Augusta, Ga.
This is an excerpt from The Buzzer, which is CBC Sports' daily email newsletter. Stay up to speed on what's happening in sports by subscribing here.
Canadian Corey Conners finds himself in contention at the Masters after two rounds.
The first game puck didn't last long.
For players hoping to earn a spot on the Canadian team heading to Italy for the Olympics next February, this world championship is a crucial audition.
The Toronto Blue Jays have locked up slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to a long-term contract extension that could see the face of the franchise spend his entire career with Canada's lone big-league team.
The Canadian women's rugby team, ranked second in the world, is trying to beat the odds — and also cash in on them.
This is an excerpt from The Buzzer, which is CBC Sports' daily email newsletter. Stay up to speed on what's happening in sports by subscribing here.
Natalie Spooner had April 2025 circled on her calendar.
Chloe Primerano continues to be ahead of her time.
Alex Ovechkin fired just about the perfect shot from the place on the ice that has defined his remarkable career. When the puck hit the net, it made him the top goal scorer in NHL history.
There will be a new champion at the BKT World Men's Curling Championship in Moose Jaw, Sask. this year. And it won't be Canada.