U.S. Knocks Off Canada, 2-0, to Win U18 Women’s Worlds

As a powerhouse in this tournament, Team USA has reached the gold medal game 17 times in the 18-year history of the IIHF U18 Women's Worlds, only missing out in 2023 when it took bronze. It had won 9 titles before this year (2008, 2009, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2024). The final marked the 14th gold medal clash between the US and Canada, with their head-to-head record in finals tied 7-7 previously; the US lost 0-3 to Canada in the 2025 final, making this win a sweet revenge. In 24 all-time meetings at the tournament, the US held a slight edge with 8 wins, 5 overtime wins, 4 overtime losses and 6 losses.

Despite playing away with over 5,000 Canadian fans cheering loudly, the US stayed unfazed and turned the pressure into motivation. Just 41 seconds into the game, Birrittieri made a brilliant cross-crease save to deny Canada’s early chance. At 14:08 of the first period, Emily Pohl scored a net-front goal off a cross-ice pass from Talla Hansen right after an offensive-zone faceoff, putting the US up 1-0; Birrittieri made 15 saves in the first period to keep the lead intact.

In the second period, Lindsay Stepnowski’s breakaway was blocked by Canadian goaltender Lea-Rose Charrios at 12:57, but she converted a rebound from Hansen’s shot with a snapshot from the slot 1:43 before the period ended, doubling the lead to 2-0. Canada pressed hard in the third period, yet Birrittieri made a sprawling save on a strong Canadian chance at 5:25 and finished the period with 12 saves to lock in the shutout, earning the US Player of the Game award.

10 players on the US roster had settled for silver after losing to Canada in 2025, and their summer wins over Canada boosted confidence, driving them to fight harder. Head coach Courtney Kennedy said, "Our players trained and committed fully every single day. We spent lots of time on ice and reviewing videos, guiding them to grasp our system—simple as playing with heart and for each other. Watching them stick to the right play against a strong Canada melts my heart; they chased this gold and made it come true." Emily Pohl added, "Our coaches helped us build solid habits, and every player bought in. Full team commitment led to this win, and winning for our country is the greatest honor."   

Beyond team honors, US players also shone brightly in individual awards: Jane Daley delivered a stunning tally of 12 goals in a single tournament, breaking the 11-goal tournament record set by Haley Skarupa in 2012. She was named the tournament MVP, claimed the Directorate Award for Best Forward and earned a spot on the Media All-Star Team. Maggie Averill took home the Directorate Award for Best Defender and also made the Media All-Star Team, with their standout performances serving as key pillars for the team's title victory.

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