United States-Canada 'Rivalry Rematch' noteworthy for women's hockey
'Statement' inspiring to little girls, something greater as part of Gender Equality Month
By
Wes Crosby
NHL.com Independent Correspondent
The forward gave Canada a 4-3 win in the "Rivalry Rematch" at PPG Paints Arena with nothing on the line other than pride. No medals were awarded. It ended with a cordial handshake line and group photo at center ice.
But the game, hosted by the Pittsburgh Penguins and Professional Women's Hockey Players Association (PWHPA), represented something greater as part of Gender Equality Month.
"It was about more than a winner or loser, to be honest," Poulin said. "It was about women's hockey. I think we made a statement again today. I think it was awesome to see little girls in the stands. You take a step back and realize how many little girls in the stands with signs want to be one of us one day. I think that's something that's awesome."
Hilary Knight scored on a breakaway for the United States, tying the game 1-1 with 34 seconds left in the first period, after Blayre Turnbull gave Canada a 1-0 lead at 4:48. Jocelyne Larocque put Canada ahead 2-1 at 8:18 of the second and Hannah Brandt tied it 2-2 at 13:37.
Jamie Lee Rattray scored for Canada to make it 3-3 at 8:10 of the third, 24 seconds after Hayley Scamurra gave the United States a 3-2 lead.
After the three ties, Canada defeated the United States for the third time in 33 days, including a 3-2 victory in the gold medal game of the 2022 Beijing Olympics on Feb. 17.
But Knight wasn't bothered.
"I think it's a wonderful glimpse into the near future," Knight said. "The fashion and the professionalism in which the Pittsburgh Penguins did it, obviously partnered with the PWHPA, it's such a unique opportunity that I hope this continues as its own asset moving forward. I think it would be a wonderful opportunity to cater to the national women's hockey fans."
Because of this rivalry, Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said his two daughters got into hockey, giving him a chance to coach Kiley and Kaitlin.
"I think it's great for the sport," Sullivan said. "When you look at participation in the United States, if I'm not mistaken, I'm pretty sure women's hockey is the No. 1 highest growing demographic. I think that's terrific. I think a lot of it is attributed to the success that the women's Olympic team has had and the rivalry they have with Canada, the visibility of that rivalry and the games.
"I think there's some real charismatic players involved on both sides that, I think, do a terrific job in representing our sport and their respective teams in such a great way. So for me, for all those reasons, women's hockey has grown exponentially in the United States."
The women were invited to Pittsburgh's 5-2 win against the Vegas Golden Knights on Friday, when Poulin was photographed with Penguins captain Sidney Crosby in the locker room.
"It's always exciting to talk to these guys," Poulin said. "These are the guys we watch on TV. We love watching them. Sid and Kris (Letang) were kind of the guys that took us under their wing yesterday. We were able to get in the dressing room.
"Just to get to chit-chat about what we're trying to do, I think they're interested. They believe in what we have. I think it says a lot."
Showing sincere support is the best way to help, Letang said.
"I see how the Penguins have invested in minor hockey and women's hockey," Letang said. "It's fun to see. It's good to grow the game, especially on the women's side. I have a chance to see the girls practice in the morning sometimes on the weekend, when my son is practicing. It's fun to see [the Penguins are] serious about this and they want to help."
Those youth clinics drive interest. But to Turnbull, games like the one in Pittsburgh will always draw the most attention.
"I think whenever Canada plays the U.S., there's always a bit of a rivalry going," Turnbull said. "It shows how competitive we all are. It's great to get on the ice and show people who don't necessarily watch the Olympics, or don't watch our game, what we can do."
