Canada has today made women’s ice hockey history, downing the USA in a thrilling 2-0 match at Canada Hockey Place.

The win marked the Canadians’ third consecutive Olympic gold medal, an achievement no other hockey team, men or women has done before.

The rivalry between the two bordering countries was apparent from the face off, as the powerhouse teams fought for gold and national glory.

“This rivalry will never end,” Canadian Shannon Szabados said. “It will just keep going on and on.”

When Jenny Potter of the USA was penalised for hooking in the third minute, Canada got its first powerplay of the match and the sea of red and white fans went wild.

It was Marie-Philip Poulin who scored Canada’s first goal, with assistance from Jennifer Botterill. The goal put Canada on the board and set them on track to win what locals consider to be one of the most important medals of the Games.

The second and final goal of the game came at the end of the first period, with 18-year-old Poulin again slotting the puck into the net.

The second period of the match played out with a lot of argy bargy, as the US vied to pick up form and meet the Canadians score.

The third period played out without a single goal or penalty and the Canadians had the match, and the gold.

“My teammates were unbelievable today,” Szabados said. “We played a great game and this is an incredible moment.”

Alice Wheeler
AOC - Vancouver