Hockey

Canada's women's hockey team beat the United States 5-2 Friday in their second game of a six-game series being played ahead of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games.

Canada's Meghan Agosta scored the first goal in the first period of the game in Spokane, Wash.

The United States' Gigi Marvin answered with a goal about two minutes later. 

Haley Irwin put the puck in the net for Canada's second goal less than 30 seconds later.

Canada received four penalties in the first period; the United States got three.

Caroline Ouellette scored back-to-back goals within the first seven minutes of the second period. Catherine Ward scored the team's fifth goal.

American player Jenny Potter followed shortly with a second goal for her team.

"I think it was a very good game for us, but we have a lot of games left to play so we can feel good about this one but not for long,'' Oullette added. "There are always things that we should be doing better, so we will move on from this game and hopefully play even better in our next game.''

Canada defeated the United States 3-1 on Oct. 5 in Victoria, B.C.

Since then, Canada's National Women's Team has played three games against Midget AAA boys teams in Alberta, posting a 2-1 record in that span.
So far this season, Canada has posted a 7-1 mark against Midget AAA boys teams, and is 5-2 against international competition, which includes a 1-2 mark versus the U.S.

Canada will face off against the United States at least four more times ahead of the Olympics.

"I love it - I wish we could play each other every week,'' Oullette said. "They are the best games, and it's the best rivalry - we know each other so well. It's great for women's hockey and it's great to get ready (for the Olympics).''

With files from The Canadian Press