2009 IIHF WW begins today

The 2009 IIHF World Women's Championship begins today with Team Canada taking on China (7 AM CT) and Team USA taking on Japan (9 AM CT). You can find the schedule and links to stats here. Also, here are usahockey's and hockeycanada's homepages for the event. It shouldn't come as a surprise to you that Canada and the US are considered favorites to win the championship.

In pre-tournament exhibition play, Team USA defeated Sweden 9-0. Hilary Knight scored 2 goals, Meghan Duggan scored 1 goal, Erika Lawler had 3 assists, and Jessie Vetter combined with Molly Schaus for the shutout. Also representing Team USA are Molly Engstrom and Kerry Weiland, and of course Mark Johnson is the head coach.

Also in pre-tournament exhibition play, Team Canada defeated EHC Red Devil (boys AAA midget) 3-1, Espoo Blues (boys AAA midget) 8-0, and Finland 3-0. Carla MacLeod had an assist v. the Blues, and Meghan Mikkelson had a goal v. the Blues and an assist v. Finland. Just a reminder that Mikkelson is playing forward rather than D with Canada. (If memory serves, she was previously a forward as well but transitioned to D with the Badgers.)

EDITED TO ADD: Beyond the Dashers also has a nice homepage for the event.