Team USA secured a 2-1 victory over Canada at the women’s world hockey championship in Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic, on Sunday. Goals by defenders Lee Stecklein and Megan Keller propelled the U.S. (3-0) to the top of Pool A, with one preliminary game left against Switzerland.
Canada (2-1), who faces the host Czech Republic on Monday, managed one goal from Laura Stacey. American goalie Aerin Frankel made 18 saves, while Canada’s Ann-Renee Desbiens stopped 26 shots.
With the top five teams in Pool A and top three in Pool B advancing to the quarterfinals, the U.S. is set to meet the third seed from Pool B. A Canadian win Monday would set up a matchup against Pool B’s second-place team.
Sweden (3-0) leads Pool B following a 2-0 shutout over Japan. Other Sunday results include Norway’s 3-0 win over Hungary — their first top-division victory in 27 years — led by goals from Andrine Furulund, Emma Bergesen, and Millie Rose Sirium.
Despite criticism over defensive lapses, Canada looks to rebound with veteran leadership from Marie-Philip Poulin and contributions from emerging stars. Poulin’s assist Sunday brought her career tally to 47, closing in on Hayley Wickenheiser’s tournament record of 49. U.S. star Kendall Coyne Schofield is just one assist behind that mark as well.
The 2026 women’s U18 world championship will be hosted in Sydney and Membertou, Nova Scotia, as announced by Hockey Canada.
Source: Swifteradio.com.
