Gerber Stops Forty-nine as Swiss Upset Canadians

Swiss goaltender Martin Gerber (Carolina Hurricanes) stopped all forty-nine shots he faced from Team Canada on Saturday, leading Switzerland to a 2-0 victory in the preliminary round matchup.

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, native Paul DiPietro scored both of Switzerland’s goals.

“I don’t think we underestimated the Swiss,” said Team Canada coach Pat Quinn. “We were a stand-still hockey team. We played into the strong checking of the Swiss team. Yes, we had lots of chances, but that’s part of being in a tournament. You can think you’re doing well but great goaltending and good work by a team can beat you.

“We tried to rely on talent and it wasn’t good enough and if we don’t learn from that, we’ll be going home early.”

Canada had two apparent goals called back by the officials
and was unable to score on five power play chances.

With 1:41 remaining in the first, DiPietro scored on a pass from Patric Della Rossa to get the Swiss on the board.

DiPietro’s second came during a two-man advantage at 8:47 of the second period. A shot by Mark Streit (Montreal Canadiens) went off the skate of Robyn Regher (Calgary Flames) and came to DiPietro, who was open to put it into the net.

The loss drops Canada to 2-1-0 and lifts Switzerland to that same record.