LILLEHAMMER – Switzerland’s Youth Olympic team got its second win in as many games, putting away hosts Norway 3-1.

Rahel Enzler scored twice and Ramona Forrer limited the Norwegians to one goal on 13 shots to push the Swiss to 2W-0L.

“I think our team is very good, we’re a close team and we have great group spirit,” said Enzler. “We work hard on defence and keep producing good chances to score.”

Swiss captain Lisa Ruedi got a pass in front from Rahel Enzer and shot it through legs of Ena Marie Norstrom. The puck stopped in front of the goal line but Enzer was there to jam it in for the game’s first goal.

Then early in the third period Ruedi went bar-down on a shot from the high slot to put her team up 2-0.

The goal sparked the Norwegians at the other end, as defenceman Thea Reiermark Jorgensen rifled a shot from the point to cut the lead back down to one with lots of time left on the clock.

But Switzerland regained the insurance foal thanks to Enzler, who collected her second of the game. An initial save by Nystrom caused a scrum in front of the net, and the puck was loose in front and Enzler was there to put it away.  

“We wanted to get to the playoffs and this is a good start for us so far,” said Ruedi. “We got some confidence from the win against Sweden and we are hoping to medal.”

Norway dropped to 0W-3L and will close out the preliminary round against Sweden. Despite their record the Norwegian womens’ team has been competitive in every game and can hold their heads high.

“I think we performed really well,” said Norwegian captain Ingrid Holstad Berge. “Everyone is fighting to the end and I’m proud of the girls.”

Switzerland plays Slovakia tomorrow in the later game before finishing off the preliminary round against the Czech Republic. 

ADAM STEISS