US Women Beat Canada 2-0 to Win U18 Hockey Gold

Canada’s unbeaten streak at the U18 Women’s World Hockey Championship ended Sunday as the U.S. claimed gold with a 2-0 victory in the final. Emily Pohl and Lindsay Stepnowski scored for the Americans, with Talla Hansen providing two assists. Goalie Bianca Birrittieri made 38 saves to secure the shutout, while Jane Daley was named tournament MVP after scoring a record 12 goals.

The win marked the U.S. team’s 10th U18 gold and the first to go undefeated without trailing in any game. Canada earned its eighth silver medal at the event, finishing the tournament with a record 52 goals. Czechia defeated Sweden 4-3 to take bronze.

U.S. coach Courtney Kennedy praised her team’s dedication: “Watching them play the right way time and again melts your heart.” Canadian coach Vicky Sunohara acknowledged the challenge: “We gave it everything we had. The U.S. worked hard for 60 minutes.”