Maschmeyer at home in bro’s old rink
KAMLOOPS — Playing here at the IIHF women’s hockey world championship, Canadian netminder Emerance Maschmeyer is, in a sense, her brother’s keeper as well.
Older sibling Bronson Maschmeyer called the Sandman Centre home for three seasons, playing defence for 216 games from 2009-12 with the Kamloops Blazers, the WHL team that is the rink’s main tenant.
Emerance Maschmeyer got a chance to play at the Sandman in November 2014, when Canada hosted the U.S., Sweden and Finland in the annual Four Nations Cup tournament.
“Going into Four Nations, he told me, ‘Make that city proud,’” said his 21-yearold sister, one of five hockey crazy siblings from Bruderheim, Alta.
“He loved it here. And I know the fans loved him. I wanted to help his reputation. I couldn’t let him down.”
Poulin says ‘C’ amazing
Forward Marie-Philip Poulin was named captain of the Canadian team for these world championships on Monday morning.
“I remember watching the world championship and the Olympics and knowing that I’m wearing the ‘C’ like Cassie Campbell, Caroline Ouellette and Hayley Wickenheiser and all the players before me, I think it’s quite amazing,” Poulin, 25, said in a press release.
Forward Meghan Agosta and defender Meaghan Mikkelson will be alternate captains for this tournament.
‘Joe’ is on the house
The Americans have their fans in Kamloops. U.S. forward Meghan Duggan said she and several of her teammates made a trip to Starbucks one morning earlier this week and the barista treated them all to free coffee.
“Everyone has been great. People have rallied around the sport,” she said.
The entire team wasn’t on that lucky jaunt, though.
“Free Starbucks? I didn’t go on that walk. If I had known that, I would have gone on that walk. I’ve been doing the Tim Hortons walk. Whenever I can get Tim Hortons, I get it,” said goalie Jessie Vetter.
Rivalry needs more games
“It’s the two biggest powerhouses in the world and the sad thing is that we only play four times a year. An NHL team gets to play its big rival six times a year and then maybe playoffs. You’ve got two games in the fall (at Four Nations) and two games in the spring (at worlds) and they’re huge. With us in the women’s game, we go to Game 7, Stanley Cup finals, quickly.” — USA coach Ken Klee on the rivalry with Canada.