American Coach Likely to Take Chinese Women's Hockey Team

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Monday, March 11, 2002

American Coach Likely to Take Chinese Women's Hockey Team

American coach Ben Smith is likely to the take the helm of the Chinese women's ice hockey team, said a Chinese official on Monday.

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American coach Ben Smith is likely to the take the helm of the Chinese women's ice hockey team, said a Chinese official on Monday.

"We have contacted with Smith and he showed interest in coaching the Chinese squad," Yu Tiande, deputy secretary general of the Ice Hockey Association of China, told Xinhua.

Smith led the American women to runners-up at the Salt Lake City Games where they lost 3-2 to Canada in the final.

"We will have further talks with officials from USA Hockey on this issue at the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Annual Congress in May," Yu added.

The Chinese women, four-place winners at Nagano in 1998, slipped to a disappointing seventh finish under the guidance of Chinese coach Yao Naifeng at the 19th Winter Olympics in February, recording one win, one draw and three defeats.

"Comparatively speaking, the abilities of Chinese ice hockey coaches are still at a low level. Thus we'd like to have an experienced international coach to take the Chinese team," Yu said.

"If Smith fails to come, we will contact with coaches from other traditional ice hockey powerhouses such as Finland and Canada," Yu added.

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