By Canadian Press

Switzerland into women’s world hockey semifinal with overtime win over Russia

Aug 28, 2021 | 12:27 PM

CALGARY — Laura Zimmerman scored the overtime winner for Switzerland in a 3-2 quarterfinal victory over Russia at the women’s world hockey championship Saturday.

Zimmerman catapulted the Swiss into Monday’s semifinals in Calgary with a goal at 5:29 in extra time. 

Sinja Leeman on the rush fed Zimmerman, who one-timed the puck past Valeria Merkusheva for Switzerland’s first win of the tournament.

In Saturday’s later quarterfinals, the United States met Japan, host Canada took on Germany and Finland faced the Czech Republic.

The medal games are Tuesday.

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Russia led 2-0 after the opening period on goals from Yelizaveta Rodnova at 1:18 and Ilona Markova at 8:32.

Evelina Raselli at 9:30 and Phoebe Staenz at 17:44 of the third period drew Switzerland even.

Swiss starter Andrea Braendli was pulled early after giving up two goals on three shots. 

Saskia Maurer stopped all 28 shots she faced in relief en route to victory.

Merkusheva turned away 27-of-30 shots in the loss.

Switzerland’s previous best result in the world championship was a bronze medal in 2012. The Swiss also won Olympic bronze in 2014.

The Swiss were without top scorer Alina Muller, who sustained a tournament-ending ankle injury in their first preliminary-round game against Russia. Switzerland lost the game 3-1. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 28, 2021.

The Canadian Press