China beats Japan, Germany defeats Denmark at Women's Worlds

UTICA, N.Y. — Grace Zhan made 50 saves in regulation and overtime in a standout performance and Guan Yingying scored the only shootout goal as China defeated Japan 3-2 Thursday at the world women's hockey championship.

Zhan withstood a barrage of pucks in the first period, making 21 saves on 22 shots.

She stopped all 16 shots she saw in the second period, 11-of-12 in the third and four in the shootout.

Zhan, who most recently played high school hockey in the United States with Hill-Murray School in St. Paul, Minn., will join Dartmouth in NCAA Division 1 next season.

Guan also scored the tying goal in the third period, while Yang Jinglei also scored for China.

Akane Shiga, who plays for Ottawa in the Professional Women's Hockey League, and Makoto Ito Scored for Japan. Miyuu Masuhara stopped 14 shots.

It was the opening game for both teams.

Later Thursday, Germany defeated Denmark 5-1 and Canada took on Finland.

GERMANY 5 DENMARK 1

Laura Kluge, Ronja Hark and Emily Nix each had a goal and an assist to lead Germany over Denmark.

Lilli Welcke and Jule Schiefer also scored for Germany, which played its first game at the tournament.

Germany goaltender Sandra Abstreiter made 11 saves to get the win.

Nicoline Jensen scored for Denmark, which was coming off a tournament-opening 3-1 loss to Sweden on Wednesday.

Danish goalie Emma-Sofie Nordstrom made 39 saves.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 4, 2024.