OLY: U.S. Wins Gold In Women's Hockey

The United States of America has clinched the gold medal for women’s hockey, defeating Canada in an absolute thriller. The scoring began in the first period as Hilary Knight, of Team USA, scored the opening goal on the third power play of the game. The Americans led at the end of the first period, but that didn’t last long into the second. Haley Irwin was able to find the back of the net, tying the game at one goal apiece, despite Canada’s continuous fouls. After yet another missed opportunity on a power play for Team USA, the Canadians took advantage and grabbed a lead. Marie-Philip Poulin beat goalie Maddie Rooney, giving Canada a 2-1 lead at the end of the second period.

With less than seven minutes remaining in the match, the Americans were desperately looking for scoring chances, and they found just that. After Canada failed to score on a breakaway of their own, Monique Lamoureux of Team USA tied the game, and gave the U.S. another chance for gold. Canada survived one final power play before the buzzer sounded, sending the gold medal match to overtime. In the extra period, the teams exchanged blows, but neither could grab a lead. With less than two minutes remaining, Canada had a power play and attempted to score at a frantic pace, but couldn’t prevail, sending the match to a shootout.

After jumping out to a 1-0 lead, Team USA fell down 2-1 and were in danger of going down. But a quick response to tie it, and then the game-winner on the sixth shot, gave the U.S. the gold medal. This triumph for the Americans ended their three-game losing streak against Canada in gold medal games, and it was the first loss for Canada since the 1998 Olympic Games. Canada is in third place overall in the medal count with 22, including nine gold. The U.S. is just one behind with 21 total medals. Norway and Germany are first and second with 33 and 24 medals, respectively. This is the United States’ first goal medal in women’s hockey in 20 years. What a way to do it!

Photo Credit: NBC Olympics.