She’s bringing home the gold!
Maria Dominico finished on top of the podium at the 2023 FISU World University Games with Team Canada as they topped Japan 5-0 in the Gold Medal game, capping off a perfect tournament.
“Our ultimate goal of the tournament was to play in the Gold medal game. So when the final buzzer went off and we had won the game, it was the moment that we have all been dreaming of. To win a gold medal on an international platform while representing my country is a dream come true,” says the North Bay born Dominico.
“Ever since I was a little girl, I have dreamed of wearing the Maple Leaf and representing Canada. Although I have experience adversity along the way and maybe even thought for a moment that it would not be possible, I have achieved this goal of mine and I am extremely proud of myself.”
Dominico had a tournament to remember as the former North Bay Ice Bolt showed off her goal scoring abilities by putting in 6 goals which was the most of any player during the games, including one in the final game. She finished with 11 points which was one back of the tournament leader, Madeline Leidt of the USA. The team as a whole was a force throughout the games, allowing just three goals against in the seven contests while scoring 42 times.
Despite the final score, it wasn’t an easy finish for Canada going up against a Japanese side that had improved over the course of their tournament. They were coming off a 3-0 victory over the Czech Republic in the semi-final and held Canada off the scoreboard, even though Japan was outshot 15-3 in the first period.
“I am sure that Japan had the same mindset as our team. It was the final game and the last 60 minutes that we would play together as a team, meaning that it was the time to empty the tank and play as hard as we can; holding nothing back,” says Dominico.
“We just needed to take a step back and breathe (after a scoreless first). The team had an encouraging discussion to reiterate our keys to success. We also talked about how it is important to remember who we are playing for, which is for each other and the logo on the front of the jersey.”
The words in the locker room sparked the Canadians who got the opening goal of the game at 1:16 of the second period when Audrey-Anne Veillette beat Miyuu Mashuhara.
About five minutes later, Dominico, the Nipissing Lakers all-time leading in goals (44) assists (44) and points (88) made her mark in the gold medal matchup.
“I recovered the puck in the corner following a 3-on-1 entry. As I came out of the corner, I followed the top of the face-off circle while stick-handling towards the net until I got the opportunity to take a shot on net,” says Dominico.
“It was my final goal of the tournament and I think it will be the most memorable as it was done in the gold medal game.”
Canada would go on to score two more times in the second, and then once in the third, while holding Japan to 12 shots on net over the course of the game.
