Win for Former Whaler, Loss for U.S.

It was a rough day for the U.S. women’s hockey team, losing 3-2 to Canada, but a good one for a Hartford Whaler legend.

Kevin Dineen, who once served as the captain of the Whalers, took over as the Canadian team’s coach in December.

Things started out well for the U.S. team and coach Katie Stone, who grew up in Watertown, Conn.

The U.S. team struck first, with a goal by Rosemary Choate alum Hilary Knight, assisted by Alex Carpenter and Anne Schleper.

See the highlights here.

Moments into the third period, Dineen’s Canadian team evened it up.

A minute and a half later, Dineen’s crew took the lead with a controversial goal. Some said it crossed the line after the referee’s whistle blew.

“I did hear the whistle blow before the puck went in,” Stone said, according to NBC Olympic Talk.  “But what are you going to do? That’s what happens. We had a lot of time left in that game. I’m not going to hang my hat on that one.”

With almost five minutes left, Canada scored again. The U.S. team answered with one more goat, scored by Schleper, but it was too late.

Another Choate alum, Josephine Pucci played almost 12 and a half minutes and Fairfield’s Julie Chu played about 6 and a half minutes of the game.

Dineen was happy about the win, but took it in stride.

“We won tonight,” said Dineen. “I’d love to say we could win two in a row. A lot of bounces go in there, those things happen. I’m just hoping we can keep moving forward.”