Cornell Standouts Making Big Impact for Canada at Meco Cup
ITHACA, N.Y. – For the second time this year, members of
the Cornell women's ice hockey team are providing a huge boost for
their country in international play.
With three games already complete at the Meco Cup in Fussen,
Germany, nearly one-third of Canada's U-22 team is Big Red
players, and all of them are making an impact.
Canada won its first two games of the tournament against the host
Germans by a 4-1 margin on Tuesday, and the team's first goal came
from Cornell freshman Jillian Saulnier. Senior Chelsea Karpenko
added a goal in the second period on a penalty shot to give Canada
a 2-0 lead, and senior goalkeeper Amanda Mazzotta earned the win,
allowing just one goal on 16 shots.
In the team's next game against Russia on Wednesday, the Big Red
players had an immediate impact as sophomore defenseman Hayleigh
Cudmore assisted on Canada's first goal. Senior Catherine White got
the assist on Canada's second goal, and Chelsea Karpenko got an
unassisted goal herself later in the first period. White scored the
team's last goal in a 6-0 blanking of Russia.
The team then had a day off, which it used to tour some of the
country. The players got to visit Neuschwanstein Castle, a giant
castle that served as inspiration for the original Magic Kingdom
castle in Disneyland.
“It was an awesome experience,” Mazzotta said.
“We went on a guided tour and bought some souvenirs. We were
treated to a fantastic dinner at a cute little restaurant at the
bottom of the mountain. Overall it was a great day off!”
Back to business on Friday against Switzerland, Jessica Campbell
stepped up for her first points of the tournament. Campbell, a
sophomore forward, scored two goals in the second period as Canada
cruised to a 6-0 victory. Amanda Mazzotta earned a shutout while
White and Karpenko notched assists.
Canada plays Sweden and Finland on its last two days of the
tournament, hoping to win the tournament for the third consecutive
year and the ninth time in its 10-year existence.
But, of course, the Big Red players in Germany still have their
some thoughts for their teammates on this side of the Atlantic.
“We're looking forward to the last two games against Sweden
and Finland, and would like to wish our teammates back at Cornell
good luck tomorrow against RPI!” Mazzotta said.
