Johnston, Karpenko Help Canada Past U.S.

Rebecca Johnston (l) and Chelsea Karpenko

PIERREFONDS, Quebec -- Cornell sophomore Rebecca Johnston joined up with freshman Chelsea Karpenko on the Canadian Under-22 team that defeated the United States in a best-of-three series last weekend. Johnston notched a goal and three assists in the three contests.

Team USA slipped past Canada in game one, handing the Canadians a 4-3 shutout loss. The United States scored three goals in the first period, but Canada would come back to tie the game at three before losing in the shootout. Johnston picked up an assist on the Canadian's second goal.

Canada quickly regrouped for game two, and blazed past the Americans with a 7-2 win. Johnston assisted on the Canadian's second goal, and netted one of her own in the third period.

The USA and Canada were tied with three goals apiece heading into overtime in game three. Johnston assisted on Catherine Ward's game winner.

Team Canada has won seven of the last nine contests against the USA. Both losses were either in a shootout or in overtime. The Canadians have not lost to the Americans in regulation since August, 23, 2003.

Johnston (Sudbury, Ont.) is also a member of the Canadian national team, and helped Canada to capture the silver medal at the 2008 International Ice Hockey Federation's World Women's Championships in Harbin, China in April. Last season, Johnston was named ECAC Hockey Rookie of the Year and first-team all-conference, and was the first Cornell player to receive either honor. The freshman completed her rookie campaign leading Cornell in points with 32 including 16 goals and 16 assists. She became the first Cornell player to earn 30 points in a season since the 1997-98 campaign. Johnston was also named the Ivy League Rookie of the Year, and was first-team All-Ivy.

Karpenko (Winnipeg, Manitoba) joins the Big Red after captaining the Notre Dame Hounds and Team Manitoba last season. At the Canada Winter Games, she helped Team Manitoba to a silver medal, and she was also an assistant captain for the Canadian Under-18 team that won the silver medal at the IIHF World Championships in 2008.