The United States clinches victory in thrilling overtime finish, defeating Canada 4-3 in women’s ice hockey world championship final

The United States defeated Canada in the women’s world hockey championship final with a 4-3 overtime win, claiming their second world title in three years. Tessa Janecke scored the game-winning goal, while U.S. captain Hilary Knight extended her record for the most world championship gold medals and medals won by a player. This victory marked the 11th gold medal for the U.S. in the championship, with Canada holding 13 gold medals. The rivalry between the two countries in women’s hockey continues as they prepare to face off again at the upcoming Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina, Italy.

The intense final game saw the U.S. grab a two-goal lead, only for Canada to quickly respond with two goals of their own. The Canadians were unable to capitalize on back-to-back U.S. penalties, and the Americans took the lead once again during a power-play opportunity. Despite Canada pulling even, the U.S. ultimately emerged victorious in overtime, with Gwyneth Philip stepping in as goalie and making crucial saves. Individual players like Caroline Harvey and Abbey Murphy also made significant contributions to the U.S. victory, while Canadian standout Marie-Philip Poulin led the tournament in scoring and was named the event’s MVP.

In addition to the thrilling final between Canada and the U.S., the women’s world hockey championship saw other exciting matchups, including Finland’s overtime win over Czechia for the bronze medal. The tournament, held in a Czech city for the first time, drew a total attendance that exceeded previous records. Looking ahead, the host city for the 2026 women’s world hockey championship will be announced at the IIHF’s congress in May, with Denmark and Austria earning promotion to the tournament by winning their Division 1 tournaments. The success of the tournament reflects the growing popularity and competitiveness of women’s hockey on the international stage.

The longstanding rivalry between Canada and the U.S. in women’s hockey was once again on display during the world championship final. With both teams showcasing their talent and determination, the game went into overtime before the U.S. emerged victorious. Key players like Tessa Janecke and Hilary Knight played pivotal roles in securing the U.S.’s 11th gold medal in the championship, further establishing their dominance in women’s international hockey. As attention now turns towards the upcoming Olympic Games, fans can expect another thrilling showdown between these two powerhouse teams.

Individual performances during the world championship, such as Marie-Philip Poulin’s standout play and Hilary Knight’s record-breaking achievements, highlighted the skill and dedication of the athletes competing in the tournament. Alongside the intense competition on the ice, the championship also showcased the growth of women’s hockey globally, with teams like Finland and Czechia demonstrating their strength in the sport. With the 2026 women’s world championship on the horizon, the excitement and anticipation for future international competitions continues to build, providing a platform for female athletes to shine and inspire the next generation of hockey players worldwide.