Schelling makes history at Women's Worlds
Overall Schelling was the second-ranked goaltender at the tournament, behind Finland’s Noora Raty. As the only goaltender to play in every minute of every game, including an overtime period and a shootout, Schelling posted a 3-2 record, a .919 save percentage and a 2.95 goals against average to go along with one shutout and one assist.
Schelling opened up her tournament with a solid 28-save shutout over Germany. In the next contest, the Swiss were outshot 56-2 by eventual gold medal winners USA as Schelling made 49 saves in the 7-1 loss and was named Player of the Game. She also earned the assist on her team’s goal.
In the medal qualifying round, the team made history behind Schelling, as the Swiss defeated reigning Olympic silver medalists Sweden 4-3 in a shootout. Despite being outshot by the Swedish team by a three-to-one ratio, Schelling was a wall and did not allow a goal in the second half of the game, including the third period, overtime period and the shootout. She ended with 28 total saves as the Swiss were outshot 31-11. The win marked the first time ever the Swiss had defeated Sweden.
In the final qualifying match, Schelling again made history as the Swiss defeated Russia 2-1 and advanced to the bronze medal game for the first time ever. Once again Switzerland was outshot by more than 10, but Schelling turned aside 33 of 34 shots to secure her team’s place in history. It was the first time a team other than Canada, Finland, Sweden or USA ever qualified for a medal game in the Championships and the Swiss were guaranteed their best finish ever, after placing fifth at least year’s championships.
The Swiss faced a strong Finland team in the bronze medal game and ultimately fell 4-1. Finland, who was coming off a 1-0 victory over USA, outshot the Swiss 38-10 to claim the bronze medal. Still, it was the best international showing ever for the Swiss, and the team once again qualified for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
Schelling has been a member of the Swiss national team since the age of 13 and has been the team’s primary goalie since the age of 17. In 2006 she competed at the Winter Olympics in Torino, posting a 2.40 goals against average and a .939 save percentage in three appearances. She is a two-time Swiss Most Valuable Player, Swiss Woman of the Year in 2007, and the only female to ever play in the Swiss National Men's League. She signed a National Letter of Intent to play for Northeastern during the early signing period in December.
April 12, 2008
Boston, MANortheastern University women’s ice hockey recruit Florence Schelling, of Oberengstringen, Switzerland, recently led the Swiss National Team an unprecedented fourth place finish at the IIHF Women’s World Championships in Harbin, China.
