U.S. Women’s Hockey Stuns Canada in Overtime Thriller for World Championships Gold
– A thrilling overtime goal from Tessa Janecke elevated Team USA to a sensational 4-3 victory over defending champions Canada, clinching the women’s ice hockey world championship gold medal in dramatic fashion.
Shock and awe. I’m ecstatic.– U.S. goalie Gwyneth Philips on the dramatic win
In the extra period, with just 2:54 remaining, Janecke gained possession and deftly tucked the puck past Canadian keeper Ann-Renee Desbiens to spark wild celebrations among her teammates and American fans. The game-winning moment, captured here, realizes USA Hockey’s sweet revenge for last year’s heartbreaking overtime loss to Canada.
The USA-Canada Rivalry: A Golden History
The gold medal showdown continues the iconic rivalry between these two hockey powerhouses, who have faced off for the title in 23 of 24 world championships, including last year’s 6-5 overtime thriller won by Canada. The Americans and Canadians have also met in six of seven Olympic finals. With the victory, the U.S. Women’s National Team secures its 11th world championship title, inching closer to Canada’s record 13 gold medals.
A Pulse-Pounding Path to Victory
- A scoreless first period gave way to a nail-biting second, with four goals scored in under three minutes.
- Caroline Harvey and Abbey Murphy struck for the U.S. in quick succession, but Canada responded through Danielle Serdachny and Jennifer Gardiner.
- Taylor Heise capitalized on a power play early in the third period to put the U.S. ahead again, but a persistent Canada equalized through Sarah Fillier, sending the game to overtime.
The U.S.., despite losing starting goalie Aerin Frankel to injury, held strong thanks to Philips’ clutch saves and Janecke’s strike, sealing an unforgettable win.
Bronze Medal & Tournament Success
Earlier, Finland claimed bronze with a 4-3 overtime victory against the Czech Republic, spoiling the hosts’ hopes of a medal. Despite the loss, the tournament was a resounding success, attracting a record-breaking 122,331 spectators, surpassing the previous best set in 2007 in Winnipeg, Canada.
Did You Know?
- This was the longest game in women’s world championship history.
- Caroline Harvey, the U.S. forward who mimed holding a phone to her ear after scoring her opening goal, had her mobile phone go missing on the ice in a previous game against Germany.
**Ready to build on this golden momentum**, the U.S. Women’s National Team will set its sights on the upcoming Olympic Games.
Author’s Take: Sunday’s dramatic overtime finish reinforced the U.S.-Canada women’s hockey rivalry as a must-watch event on the global sports stage. With the gold medal now draped around their necks, Team USA looks poised to carry this momentum into the upcoming Olympic competition.