Defending champions Canada, who have won six Women's World Championship finals to date, overcame the disappointment of their semi-final defeat to the USA to beat Slovakia 7:1 (2:0, 4:0, 1:1). The result did not do justice to the Slovaks’ committed performance.
The Canadians got the game off to the desired start. Upshall made it 1:0 after just 2 minutes with a powerful long-range shot. The game then went back and forth. Team Canada may have had the finer touch, but the Slovakians not only impressed with their fighting spirit and tireless commitment, but also created real scoring opportunities. Both goalkeepers prevented further goals with great reflexes. Canada took advantage of a delayed numerical superiority and Vigneau Sargeant increased the lead for her team to 2:0.
In the opening minutes of the second period, the Canadians increased the pressure to such an extent that the Slovakians could only stop the attacks with a foul. Upshall then increased the score to 3:0 for the Maple Leafs in powerplay. After Team Slovakia failed to capitalize on a powerplay situation, the Canadians laid siege to Kubaniova's goal and Jue scored the fourth goal. In keeping with their fighting spirit, the Slovakians did not give up and only a big save by Thomson prevented them from scoring the first goal. The overseas team then increased the score to 6:0 within 30 seconds: first Bannon scored, then Upshall with her third goal of the day. The second period ended with a 6:0 lead for Canada.
In the final period, the Eastern Europeans were determined to improve the score. Their self-sacrificing play was rewarded. Patricia Maria Dzurinova scored a well-deserved goal in the 36th minute to make it 6:1. Upshall restored the lead shortly afterwards. The game ended 7:1.
