Disappointed but proud. Team Canada returns home with silver

It was one of the big stories of the tournament. Team Canada, with just eight outfield players on their roster, has performed admirably well throughout the championship. Skillful players with maple leafs on their jerseys beat Czech Republic in the best game of group stages, came back from three goals down to win a semifinal against France only to be stopped in a gold medal game by the Czechs. “Everyone can be proud,” said head coach Donna Forbes.

With silver medals hanging on their necks, it was a difficult moment for Canadian players. Only a couple of minutes after their gold medal dream was shattered by Czech players, the closing ceremony was under way. And although the disappointment on their faces was apparent, nothing was missing from the friendly atmosphere that surrounded Team Canada´s run in the championship.

Head coach Donna Forbes put together a team that might have been short in numbers, but the desire, determination and mental strength were admirable. Every player added something to the final mix - Brooke Ludolph with her skating and precise finishing and Jackie Jarrell as a team´s leading scorer and a tournament´s MVP award winner being arguably best Canadian players.

Team Canada finishes second in the tournament, after a gold medal game loss against Czech Republic. Is second place a success or disappointment for you?

Jackie Jarrell: It is certainly an honor to play for Canada and do as well as we did, but it is very disappointing not to win gold. You train for these tournaments to win gold and it is unfortunate to just come short.

Brooke Ludolph: It is disappointing that we lost, but Czech team is such a strong opponent. We knew how to approach this game, to give everything we had. We have tried and had some chances, but didn´t capitalize.

Donna Forbes: We are very satisfied, our girls played well the entire tournament, played as a team. We came in here not knowing what can we do with just nine players. Our first team practice was on a day when we arrived here. We were even introducing some girls to each other.

With just eight field players on your roster and fourteen for Czech Republic, was this the major difference in the final game of this tournament?

JJ: I think it could have made the difference, we didn´t have as many players, as many legs. A lot of it has to do with some bounces, too. We never had bounces going our way and that was unfortunate.

BL: Definitely. You get so tired. Czech team has such a strong skaters, we have tried our best, but everyone´s legs were heavy in the second half. Our semifinal game against France was very tiring as it went to overtime, but we have tried to focus on us. We have had a phenomenal coaching, our coaches kept trying to motivate us and get us mentally prepared, because we were lacking physically. They did a great job, we just could not come up a with win.

DF: Czech Republic played a great game, they had a lot more on their roster with fourteen skaters and our girls just ran out of gas. They have given all they´ve got, but that´s what happens when you have nine players versus fourteen. We are very proud to be bringing silver back home, although it is not a color we have necessarily wanted.

The 2010 Women In-line World Championship is over. If you could sum up the whole tournament, how did you like the organization and host city in comparison with past championships?

JJ: It was a good experience, the city of Beroun has made a great job. It was nice to see Prague. I actually really enjoyed myself and I appreciate everything you have done for our team. Thank you.

BL: The tournament this year was so much better run, everything was flawless and the games were on time. It is good to see some new countries like China and Slovakia, the competition is getting better and tournament tougher. It is very exciting and great for the sport.

DF: I have been involved since the first woman world championships, I used to play the first few and then been coaching since 2006. This has by far been the best tournament so far, the city has done an excellent job, the organization and everything has been top notch. Everyone can be proud and they demonstrated the great job to the rest of the world.