Team Canada falls short in Turnbull’s homecoming

Blayre Turnbull almost played the hometown hero in Game 4 of the Rivalry series Thursday, but the Canadian women’s team came up short against Team U.S.A.

The Stellarton native levelled the score with 2:20 left in the third period, bringing a deafening reaction from the Scotiabank Centre crowd and taking the game to overtime.

The eventful overtime featured an early whistle taking a prime scoring opportunity away from Canadian captain Marie-Philip Poulin. A shootout was needed with the American team eking out a 2-1 win.

No Canadian shooters found the back of the net, and goals from Hilary Knight, Hannah Bilka and Kelly Pannek propelled the Americans to victory.

“To hear the crowd’s reaction, it was pretty special,” said Turnbull about the third-period goal, which followed Team U.S.A. captain Hilary Knight’s goal in the first period.

American head coach John Wroblewski said his team was “fortunate to win” following a 31-save performance from goaltender Gwyneth Philips.

Regardless of outcome, the Halifax crowd was raucous all night.

“That was probably the loudest crowd and most into a game that we’ve seen in the Rivalry Series or even a world championship. And that’s saying a lot,” said Wroblewski.

Turnbull, who had 75 friends and family in the stands, said “I think when it’s time for me to hang up the skates and reflect on my hockey career, this will be up there for one of my favourite games I’ve been a part of.”

Amid political tensions between Canada and the U.S., Canadian head coach Troy Ryan was proud of the way Canadian fans handled the American anthem.

There were no boos during the instrumental version of the Star Spangled Banner. The U.S. anthem has been booed in Canadian NHL rinks in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats against Canada.

 “We acknowledged it on the bench,” said Ryan. “We just kind of looked over, because you never know how people are going to react.”

Turnbull cited Maritime hospitality and knowing that “these girls on Team U.S.A. have nothing to do with the politics and what’s going on in the States” as reasons for the respectful reaction.

More than 45 minutes before puck drop, the glass in the Canadian end was lined with fans young and old, holding signs showing their support for Team Canada.

“I saw a girl with a sign that said ‘Future PWHL star right here,’ ” said attendee Ruby Stott. “They see these women and know that it’s possible to become a pro women’s hockey player.”

Thursday’s game took place during the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s (PWHL) international break. 

“International play with Canada and the U.S. has kind of been the foundation that women’s hockey has been built on, but I think the PWHL has just shown that it’s a legitimate business,” said Ryan.

“It’s such a special thing that I get to have a front row seat with this,” said Ryan, who is also head coach of the PWHL’s Toronto Sceptres.

The Rivalry Series is tied 2-2, with the fifth and final game in Summerside, P.E.I., on Saturday.

The PWHL will resume on Feb. 11.