Quebec-Flavored Match Debuts at Milan-Cortina’s Santa Giulia Arena
The debut of a Quebec-flavored match took place at the Santa Giulia Arena in Milan during the Olympic Games. On February 5, the arena hosted its first Olympic contest featuring Italy and France, resulting in an impressive 4-1 win for the Italian team. The match showcased the talents of several Quebec players, fostering a connection to the province.
Key Players in the Match
- Kayla Tutino (Italy)
- Kristen Guerrerio (Italy)
- Gabrielle De Serres (France)
- Alice Philbert (France)
- Marie-Pierre Pélissou (France)
Active participants also included Danièle Sauvageau, the General Manager for Italy, along with coaches Éric Bouchard, Pier-Alexandre Poulin, and Alexandre Tremblay. Official referee Élizabeth Mantha represented Quebec, highlighting the province’s strong presence in this momentous game.
Match Highlights
The match unfolded with Gabrielle De Serres scoring the first goal, quickly followed by Kayla Tutino’s response for Italy shortly after. Italy’s dominance in shots propelled them to lead 2-1 in the second period. Ultimately, two quick goals in the third sealed the game for the host nation, marking their first Olympic victory in history.
Quotes from Players
In a post-game interview, Kayla Tutino expressed joy at the team’s performance, stating, “This was a truly special moment that my teammates and I will never forget.” She explained how the local support positively influenced their game.
On the opposing side, Alice Philbert, who made 42 saves during the match, reflected on the intense competition and her connection with several players on the other team. “It was a tough match, but I focused on playing my game,” she noted.
Support from Quebec
Family and friends of Kayla Tutino showed up in large numbers to support her Olympic debut. Approximately 40 supporters attended the game, bringing an extra layer of pride. Kayla’s mother, Diana, shared her excitement, emphasizing how special this event was for their family heritage.
The Journey of Kayla Tutino
Kayla Tutino’s path to the Olympics has not been straightforward. After retiring from professional hockey in 2019, she transitioned to coaching in Quebec but eventually returned to the ice as a player. Recognizing her potential, the Italian team offered her the chance to compete, a moment of realization for Tutino.
Her father, George Tutino, highlighted the family’s unwavering support throughout her journey. He said, “We’ve always backed Kayla, and when she had the opportunity to join the Olympics, we encouraged her to seize the moment.”
Looking Ahead
As Italy celebrates this historic win at Santa Giulia Arena, Kayla Tutino remains focused on the upcoming Olympic events. With her family cheering her on, she aims to continue performing at her best, embracing every moment of the Olympic experience.
