The New Zealand Ice Fernz fought back from a 1-0 deficit to beat the Turkish women's side 4-2 yesterday at the IIHF Division two B world tournament in Romania.
The Ice Fernz exerted early pressure and were unlucky to concede an early goal against the run of play. Maintaining their composure, they were rewarded at the start of the second period when a loose puck was collected by Jasmine Horner-Pascoe, who circled around behind the goal and found an unmarked Hannah Shields, who slotted it home.
The Ice Fernz then scored the go-ahead goal when Horner-Pascoe scored a shorthanded goal in an end-to-end drive. The Ice Fernz went further ahead 90 seconds later.
Shields picked up a pass and put the shot on goal. It was initially thought that Turkish goaltender had secured the puck in her catcher, but the goal judge deemed her catcher had crossed the line, and awarded the goal.
A fourth goal followed soon after, when Reagyn Shattock found the back of the net for her first-ever IIHF point.
Turkey rallied in the final period and scored a consolation goal but was unable to overcome the deficit.
At the request of the Turkish team, the start of game was delayed so that both teams could join on the ice to pay their respects to the victims of the Christchurch terrorist attacks.
The NZ Ice Fernz will face off against tournament host Romania over the weekend in what promises to be an exciting game.
With a boisterous Romanian crowd expected, the game is sure to be played with intensity and passion.
