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20 June 2026

U.S. women’s hockey team claims gold in thrilling overtime victory

In a nail-biting final, the U.S. women’s hockey team secures gold against Canada.

U.S. women's hockey team celebrating gold medal victory
The U.S. women's hockey team celebrates their thrilling gold medal win in overtime.

The thrilling final match

The U.S. women’s hockey team showcased their resilience and skill in a heart-pounding final against Canada, clinching the gold medal with a 4-3 overtime victory at the women’s world hockey championship. This match marked a significant moment for the U.S., as they reclaimed the title after previously losing it to Canada. Tessa Janecke emerged as the hero, scoring the decisive goal in overtime, solidifying her place in the annals of women’s hockey history.

A fierce rivalry

The rivalry between the U.S. and Canada in women’s hockey is one for the ages, with this final being the 10th encounter to go into overtime or a shootout. The teams are now tied at 5-5 in these high-stakes matchups, highlighting the competitive spirit that defines their encounters. As the U.S. prepares for the upcoming Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina, Italy, the anticipation builds for another chapter in this storied rivalry. Canada will be looking to defend their Olympic gold, while the U.S. aims to reclaim their title after their shootout victory in 2018.

Key players shine

U.S. captain Hilary Knight extended her record for the most world championship gold medals, now totaling 10, along with 15 overall medals. Her leadership on the ice has been instrumental in guiding the team through intense matches. Alongside her, players like Taylor Heise and Caroline Harvey made significant contributions, with Heise providing the assist for Janecke’s winning goal. The U.S. defense was also commendable, with Gwyneth Philip stepping up in goal, making crucial saves after replacing Aerin Frankel, who was injured during the match.

The match itself was a rollercoaster of emotions, with the U.S. initially taking a two-goal lead, only for Canada to respond swiftly. The back-and-forth nature of the game kept fans on the edge of their seats, showcasing the high level of skill and determination from both teams. As the dust settles on this championship, the focus now shifts to the future, with both teams gearing up for the Olympic stage.

World Cup 2026

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00:00EDTGroup F
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Updated 23:40 EDT