In a thrilling 6-5 overtime victory, Team Canada secured the IIHF women’s world championship title over Team USA in Utica, N.Y. Danielle Serdachny scored the game-winning goal on the power play less than six minutes into the first overtime period, in a high-scoring match against their rivals. This game became the second-highest scoring gold medal game in women’s worlds history, with the last record being set in 2015 when the U.S. won 7-5.
Marie-Philip Poulin notched two goals in the game, a significant improvement from her two assists in the previous six games. Erin Ambrose, Julia Gosling, and Emily Clark also contributed to the Canadian scoring. Ann-Renée Desbiens made 19 saves on 24 shots, securing the win for Team Canada. Last year, Team USA had defeated Canada in the gold medal game on Canadian soil in Brampton, ON, adding extra motivation for the Canadians heading into this year’s final.
The Americans were led by forward Hilary Knight who earned a silver medal, making her the most decorated player in women’s world championship history with 14 medals (10 gold, four silver), surpassing Hockey Hall of Fame forward Hayley Wickenheiser’s record of 13. The Canadians were determined to rewrite the narrative from last year’s disappointment and their efforts paid off in a hard-fought victory over their rivals in the gold medal game.
