The Peterborough Midget AA Ice Kats, sponsored by the Ruttle Group
and Kings Auto Wreckers, were treated to some International competition at the
Vaughan Sports Village on Saturday night, playing against a women’s hockey team
from the People’s Republic of China.
After opening ceremonies and national anthems, the Ice Kats from Peterborough battled the QiQihaer Women’s Hockey Team in three 20-minute periods.
Maddy Roche and Sophie Wood shared the Ice Kat goaltending duties and gave up just one goal each.
After falling behind 1-0 in the 1st period, the Ice Kats tied up the game in the 2nd with Maddy O’Neill-Hawthorne banging in her own rebound, assisted by Taylor McArthur and Jilly MacIver.
The QiQihaer team went ahead 2-1 early in the 3rd period and looked to be headed for the win.
With the Ice Kats goalie pulled for the extra attacker, O’Neill-Hawthorne scored her 2nd of the game with 13 seconds left to gain the tie.
Guan Yingying and Wang Chang scored the QiQihaer goals.
Mel Raskin, from Mellen Management Limited, is the Event Manager for the Chinese Team Tour.
“Ontario is the best place for the growth and development of women's hockey," Mel explained. "QiQihaer is China's top club team with 9 national team players. As hosts of the 2022 Winter Olympics, China wants to grow and develop their game. They come here for the chance to play around 20 games and get top flight competition each time."