Halifax’s Jill Saulnier picked up an assist on the winning goal as Canada downed host Finland 6-1 at the IIHF women’s world hockey championship on Tuesday.
The win in the final preliminary game gave Canada a 3-1 record and set up a quarter-final matchup with Germany on Thursday
Saulnier’s assist came when Rebecca Johnston cashed in on an Erin Ambrose rebound 14 minutes into the first period.
The goal gave Canada a 2-0 lead.
Loren Gabel opened the scoring at the 10:44 mark of the first period with her first of two goals on the day.
Brianne Jenner, Sarah Nurse and Ambrose had the other Canadian goals. Ann-Sophie Bettez had a pair of assists, her first career points as a member of the national team.
Stellarton’s Blayre Turnbull had a pair of shots for Canada.
Ella Viitasuo was the only Finnish player to score on Canadian goalie Shannon Szabados, who made 22 saves.
Canada directed 49 shots at Finnish goalies Noora Raty and Evelina Suonpaa.
