Eve Gascon turned aside all 14 shots she faced as Canada blanked Japan 9-0 in Herning, Denmark, on Sunday, asserting control over Group B at the IIHF Women’s World Championship. The reigning silver medallists erupted for five goals in the third period after taking a four-goal cushion into the final frame, outshooting their opponents 59-14 across the contest.
A shutout for Gascon and a fast start
Canada’s offence clicked early. Nineteen-year-old defender Chloe Primerano got the first goal midway through the opening period, and the pressure barely let up. By the second intermission, Canada led 4-0. Then came the explosion. Five more goals in the third turned a comfortable lead into a statement victory.
Gascon, between the pipes, faced minimal danger. Japan managed just 14 shots on goal, and the Canadian netminder stopped each one. The shot differential—59 to 14—told the story of a dominant performance from start to finish.
Fast highlights habits, details and shared moments
Canada’s co-captain Renata Fast was pleased with more than just the scoreline.
“I liked our team’s efforts, and the way we stayed connected throughout the entire game,” Fast said. “I think we did a really good job of focusing on the habits and details that we’ve been emphasizing for the last week and a half together, so it was really good to get rewarded for that.”
Fifteen different Canadians registered a point on Sunday. For several players, it marked their first point—or even their first goal—at a world championship. Fast noted the value of spreading those experiences around