Leighton Geraghty – Contributor 

Sunday, Jan. 11, saw the women’s hockey team back on the ice. This time, not against an RSEQ opponent but rather the Italian Women’s National Team. Team Italy has been preparing for international competition as they gear up to host the 2026 Winter Olympics. Italy is hosting their training camp in Montreal and has been playing a series of games against Canadian University teams. Prior to the game on Sunday, Italy had played against the other three RSEQ teams, having outscored the conference 24-0 over a three-game span, beating Concordia 10-0, McGill 7-0 and Montreal 7-0.  

Image courtesy of Lunkenbein Photography

The puck dropped at 3:30 p.m. in front of 400 fans packing the seats of the Jane and Eric Molson Arena. Neither team took much time to get things going. Italy utilized their size to their advantage, netting the first goal of the game on a tipped shot from the point, beating Ericka Gagnon high. Bishop’s did not shy away and got back to work. Captain Gabrielle Santerre scored a highlight reel goal to tie the game at one midway through the first period. Santerre, alongside teammates Noemie Fontaine and Daphne Boutin, had previously played the team as part of the PWHL Victoire reserves who tied the Italian team 2-2 in late December. The first period went along as both teams relied heavily on special teams. The score after one was 2-1 for Italy. 

The second period was much of the same as both teams traded chances. The goaltending tandem that the Gaiters have relied on heavily this season proved yet again why they are considered one of the best in the country. Gagnon and Laurence Boivin split the game. Boivin entered down 2-1 and kept it that way until halfway through the third period when the Italian experience took over. Netting their third goal of the game, Italy controlled the remainder of the game. They would eventually put a nail in the coffin and score an empty net goal to make the final score 4-1. 

The game was a phenomenal showing for the Gaiters. They competed until the very end and went toe to toe with professional players. Notable names on the Italian roster include: #19 Kristin Della Rovere (PWHL Sceptres), #5 Laura Fortino (former silver and gold medalist with Canada. She decided to play for Italy in 2023 and has never looked back) and finally #17 Matilde Fantin (NCAA Penn State, 18pts in 21 games). Bishop’s will be able to learn from their experience as they continue to build confidence ahead of the second half of the RSEQ season.