Saugeen Maitland Midgets Test Chinese National Team

It was a close game between the Saugeen Maitland midget girls and China's women's national hockey team in Wingham Wednesday night. The visitors ended up the winners in a 3-0 game.

Over a thousand people packed into the  North Huron Westcast Community Complex to see the best girls in the region take on the best female players in China. The game was sold out days in advance.

The host Lightning had their chances. They outshot their opponents and had a series of close calls.

China had a size and age advantage, many players in their mid 20's. But they were only able to break down the Lightning (most only 16) once in each period. The last two goals came on the power play off well executed passing plays.

Both local goaltenders, Rebecca Ropp and Kaitlyn Chagnon combined for a solid performance, giving their team a chance to win.

When it was all over, Lightning Captain Lexi Smith was impressed. With the full barn in Wingham, the skill of Team China, and her team's ability to hold their own.

"The Crowd was awesome and it was an overall experience to play a different team, from a different country." She said after the game. "The quality of hockey they were playing was tough but we were able to match it."

It could be seen as a test for both sides. The Chinese are touring the province playing the best teams as they prepare for international tournaments. The team currently has their sites set on qualifying for the 2018 Olympics.

For Saugeen Maitland, many players aspire to play on the same global stage. Captain Lexi Smith said the exhibition game was a great chance to experience that level of play.

"It's definetly a goal of everyone to make it to that level and to play against someone at that level is a great stepping stone."

With the close result in front of friends and family, the players leave proud of their performance against the best players in China. As for a rematch, they will hope to have that chance with a maple leaf on their chest.