By / Kristi Patton
The Edmonton Chimos were the first team this season to get a crack at the Western Women’s Hockey League U.S. detachment.
Out of a three-game series (Nov. 14 to 16), the Chimos walked away with only one win, proving that once again the Minnesota Whitecaps are going to be in the hunt for the top spot on the leader board. Three games packed into a traveling schedule had its toll on the team and by Sunday the Chimos were battling themselves. A steady stream to the penalty box cost them the opportunity to come out with more wins.
“I really like the competitiveness of playing against Minnesota because we are two teams that are really battling it out for second place in this league. The games are really important so we have much more focus,” said Chimos forward Kristen Hagg, who netted three points in the series.
Playing in such a competitive environment, against many of the top U.S. National team players, only helped the Chimos top-producers.
“Oh yeah for sure, in particular Juliane Jubinville and Kaye London and I really clicked in Minnesota,” said Hagg. “We are becoming really familiar with each other’s tendencies and patterns allowing us to create better chances. They have been a good fit for me and are really helping get points because they are both hard working players who make it easier for that third person on the line.”
Hagg has clicked so well with her linemates that she currently sits in second place on the scoring leader board (15 points in ten games), just behind Calgary Oval X-Treme forward Gina Kingsbury (17 points in six games).
The X-Treme are still undefeated this season and with most of the top-talent in the country, many will be part of the national team, it is expected their record will remain that way.
“I always get worked up and motivated to play against the Oval X-Treme because they have so many good players and it really challenges the team to step up but the likely-hood of winning those games are not high,” said Hagg.
Recently, they routed the Strathmore Rockies 14-0. A team, that remains just on the bubble of becoming competitive with the Chimos and Whitecaps. The Rockies will cap 2008 portion of the season off with a heated battle against their northern rivals (Dec. 13 and 14) at home.
In December, the winless B.C. Breakers who have been building up their strength and are hungry for a victory, will be taking on Alberta. Matching up against both the Chimos and the Calgary Oval X-Treme. The last time these two teams clashed in a series in October it led to three close games including a shootout win for the Chimos.
“I think we are pretty close to winning some games. It is just a matter of breaking through that shield that has been holding us back,” said Breakers head coach Natalie Christensen.
For more information on the individual teams, schedules and league updates visit www.westernwomenshockeyleague.com. |