In an overwhelming showcase at the women’s ice hockey world championship, Canada routed Finland with a resounding 8-1 victory, securing a spot in the final against their longtime adversary, the United States.
The Canadians executed a stunning four-goal salvo within a span of under two minutes, leaving Finland reeling. Daryl Watts netted two goals, and Claire Thompson contributed with a goal and two assists. Captain Marie-Philip Poulin, Sarah Nurse, and Danielle Serdachny all recorded a goal and an assist each, while Erin Ambrose and Emily Clark also found the back of the net. Canadian goaltender Ann-Renee Desbiens fended off 19 shots to anchor her team’s defense.
Poulin’s two-point performance elevated her to a historic achievement, surpassing Hayley Wickenheiser to become Canada’s top scorer in women’s world championship history, now holding 88 points. Poulin leads this tournament’s scoring with 11 points, comprising four goals and seven assists.
Marking the 23rd final showdown between the two powerhouses in 24 world championships, Canada and the U.S. are set to renew their rivalry. Canada has claimed victory 13 times, while the U.S. has secured the title 10 times, having never missed a final to date.
Finland had an early spark in the semifinal, exploiting a defensive miscue, with Michelle Karvinen scoring just 46 seconds into the game. However, Canada swiftly responded as Ambrose equalized less than two minutes later, extinguishing any potential Finnish momentum.
In the other semifinal clash, the United States came from behind to overcome the Czech Republic 2-1, thus maintaining an unbeaten record against them with a 6-0 all-time tally. Kelly Pannek was pivotal in the U.S. comeback, maintaining her streak of scoring in every game and leading the squad with four goals. Laila Edwards also struck the net, and team captain Hilary Knight bagged an assist, enhancing her world championship record total to 52 points. Goalie Aerin Frankel blocked 10 Czech attempts on goal.
After a challenging start, U.S. coach John Wroblewski expressed pride in his team’s resilience, noting how they persevered despite initial setbacks. Pannek netted the game-winner on a rebound off Czech goaltender Klára Peslarová just over halfway through the final period.
The second period saw the Americans assert aggressive offensive pressure, outshooting the Czechs by 17-2 and 45-11 overall. Edwards capitalized on a power play opportunity to equalize by sending a wrist shot into the top corner from the left circle.
Tereze Plosová had earlier put the Czechs into a surprising lead late in the opening period, thrilling the near-capacity crowd of 6,000. Capitalizing on Klára Hymlárová’s play behind the net, she shot over Frankel’s shoulder to score. The Czechs now face Finland in the bronze medal clash for the fourth consecutive tournament.