Italy’s women’s hockey team made history by defeating Japan 3-2 in Milan. This victory allowed them to advance to the quarterfinals of the Olympic women’s hockey tournament. The achievement marks a significant milestone for the Italian team, which is competing in the Olympics for the second time, the first being in 2006.
Historic Victory for Italy and Canada
The match was emotionally charged as the team celebrated a shared victory. Daniele Sauvageau, the team’s Canadian general manager, and Laura Fortino, a former Olympic gold medalist with Canada, both shared tears of joy after the game. This moment reflected both personal and national pride.
Building a Competitive Team
Three years ago, the Italian Ice Sports Federation approached Sauvageau to develop a competitive women’s hockey team. Despite the challenges of having fewer than 500 registered female players in Italy and lacking an ice rink in Milan, Sauvageau accepted the role.
Recruiting Talented Players
To form a solid team, Sauvageau began reaching out to potential players worldwide. One of her early signings was Laura Fortino, who had to play in the Italian domestic league for two seasons to qualify for the national team. Fortino relocated to Italy, first living in Bozen and then Caldaro.
- Players to Watch:
- Fortino: Key player with previous Olympic experience.
- Kayla Tutino: Scored in a prior game against France.
- Gabriella Durante: Outstanding performance as a goalkeeper against Japan.
“It’s magical,” Fortino conveyed, expressing her pride in the team’s journey and accomplishments. She emphasized the honor of being part of this new chapter in Italian hockey history.
Strategic Coaching Staff
Sauvageau recruited Eric Bouchard, a Canadian coach, to lead the team alongside assistant Pier-Alexandre Poulin. Their coaching strategy involved a lengthy training camp in Montreal, focusing on fundamental skills and fostering ambition among the players. Bouchard stated that their success was unexpected but aimed to surprise the hockey community.
Future Prospects
Italy’s final Group B game against Germany is set to determine their quarterfinal opponent. The anticipation of facing Canada looms, but the main focus remains on executing their game plan against Germany first.
- Upcoming Matches:
- Italy vs. Germany: Final Group B match.
With a commitment to developing local talent, Sauvageau aims to ensure Italians have essential roles on and off the ice. Young players like Matilde Fantin are already showing promise under the guidance of experienced teammates.
The recent victory has garnered newfound support for women’s hockey in Italy, as fans passionately chanted, “Italia! Italia! Italia!” During such celebrations, the future seems bright for Italian women’s hockey. For Sauvageau, the journey is about lasting change rather than a fleeting achievement. “We’re growing the game,” she stated. This victory is not just a win for Italy, but for women’s hockey globally.
