Richardson & Roesler on top of world for Canada

For Cydney Roesler, it was redemption for last year’s defeat. For Morgan Richardson, it was a taste of glory in her first major tournament representing Canada.


And for the pair of Ottawa Senators Provincial Women’s Hockey League defenders, Canada’s 3-0 triumph over the U.S. in the Saturday, Jan. 7 final of the IIHF under-18 women’s world hockey championships was a memory the best friends will share forever.

“It’s a pretty incredible feeling. There’s no words for it,” Richardson reflected in a phone interview from Zlin, Czech Republic not long after the gold medal win. “I think it’s just been a dream since I was a little girl and since I put on those skates. And to actually be here is pretty incredible.”

After dropping a 5-2 contest to the Americans in last year’s U18 worlds final, the victory was that much sweeter for Roesler.

“It was incredible,” described the Grade 12 South Carleton High School student. “I was on the other end last year, and it was a hard experience. But to come back this year and win it, it’s an amazing feeling and I’ll cherish it forever.”

Outscoring opponents by a combined 33-1 en route to the final, Canada finished the round robin undefeated and then beat Sweden 7-0 in their semifinal to set up a rematch with the United States for gold. Team USA had won three of the four U18 tournaments prior to this year, including the win over Canada last year.

After killing off four penalties during a fast-paced second period, and three more early in the third, Roesler scored on a man advantage to put Canada up 3-0.

“It just gave us a bit of breathing space that we wanted,” said Roesler, who tied for the team goal-scoring lead with four, and also had an assist through Canada’s five games. “Everyone worked really hard there, and we just got a power play off a great play, and we were really happy with that. And so was I!”

Filling a defensive role much like her father Luke did during his NHL career, Richardson still contributed on the offensive end during the Dec. 31-Jan. 7 competition with a goal and an assist.

Although this was her first international experience, the Ashbury College student said nerves weren’t a problem.

“We had such great leadership on this team that there really isn’t nerves, it’s more excitement,” Richardson explained. “We had such great energy. We had beat the U.S. before, so we knew what we were expecting and we came out flying and put it away early.”Czechs crazy for the canucks
The atmosphere created by the Czech fans also stood out for Richardson.

“They were incredibly supportive of us. When we played at the other rink [during the round robin] we had over 2000 fans, and they were all rooting for us,” Richardson recounted. “When we got here it was packed again, and they were chanting “Canada!” the whole time.”

The way Team Canada bonded was a major highlight for Roesler.

“We’ll always remember this team,” she said. “We have friendships now that will last forever, and with this gold medal, it brings us all closer. I think that’s a very unique opportunity we have now.”

Both players have now chosen their university hockey destinations for next year – Roesler will play for the Quinnipiac Bobcats in Connecticut and Richardson will dress for the Cornell Big Red, although she’d like to again sport Canada’s red in the future once again.

“Hopefully I can just keep working, and hopefully I’ll get a chance to wear this jersey again,” Richardson stated. “It’s such an honour.”