Canada, USA to play for gold at 2025 Women’s World Championship

A couple of very interesting games has set the pairing for the final game in České Budějovice, as the United States and Canada will meet for gold at the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship.

The United States had their hands full against Czechia in the first semifinal. After putting just 10 shots on goal against the Americans in the group stage, the Czechs managed to get on the board first late in the first period, as 18-year-old Tereza Plosova scored her first of the tournament, igniting the home crowd.

Despite getting heavily outplayed for the entire game, Czechia was right there against one of the sport’s superpowers. Even when Laila Edwards scored her first of the tournament in the second period, the hosts were level with the U.S. heading into the final period of play.

Yet, the bubble was popped in the third, as Kelly Pannek continued her incredible performance with her fourth goal of the tournament before the halfway mark of the third.

Even though Czechia tried to stage a comeback, the Americans did an excellent job of limiting their chances, leading to a 2-1 win.

Canada looked like they were going to be involved in a close game themselves. Michelle Karvinen scored her second of the tournament to give Finland an early lead. However, the red and white roared back with two goals of their own, including Marie-Philip Poulin finding the back of the net for the fourth time in the tournament.

It marked the 87th point in Captain Clutch’s Women’s Worlds career, pushing her past Hockey Hall of Famer Hayley Wickenheiser for the most points by a Canadian in the tournament’s history.

Despite Canada taking the lead, Finland carried the play for stretches and looked like they were going to tie the game. That was, until Canada roared back with four goals in 58 seconds late in the middle frame, two of which coming off the stick of Daryl Watts.

That took the wind out of Finland’s sails. Claire Thompson and Sarah Nurse added goals in the third to secure an 8-1 win.

Nurse, Thompson, Poulin Danielle Serdachny ended the game with a goal and an assist. Erin Ambrose and Emily Clark also scored in the semifinal. With a 19-save performance, Ann-Renée Desbiens became the winningest goaltender in the tournament’s history, picking the up 22nd victory of her Women’s Worlds career.

There was one sour note for Canada in the win. Early in the third period, Watts was handed a five-minute major and game misconduct for an illegal check to the head of Karvinen. It’s unknown if there will be any supplemental discipline.

The three best players for each of the four nations were announced on Saturday. Defenders Lee Stecklein and Megan Keller, along with captain Hilary Knight, were named the U.S.’ top stars. For Czechia, forwards Adéla Šapovalivová, Kateřina Mrázová and Kristýna Kaltounková were recognized.

Forwards Marie-Philip Poulin and Jennifer Gardiner, along with defender Renata Fast received honors on Saturday. Finland forwards Elisa Holopainen and Jennina Nylund, as well as blueliner Ronja Savolainen, were named the team’s best three in Czechia.

Tale of the Championship Tape

This sets up another anticipted matchup between the United States and Canada (12 p.m. ET) for all the marbles on Sunday. The U.S. beat their northern rivals 2-1 in their group stage matchup last Sunday, leading to the Americans winning Group A.

The United States will be entering the gold medal game for the 24th time, making it the only nation to have played in every World Championship game. The Americans are 10-13 in finals after losing to Canada in overtime last year.

Canada only missed out on the gold medal game once at the Women’s Worlds, that coming in 2019. The Canadians have won a record 13 gold medals in the tournament, including a 6-5 overtime win over the U.S. in Utica last year. Canada is 13-9 in championship games.

Canada is 106-89-1 against the U.S.

Czechia is in the bronze medal game for the fourth year in a row, taking on Finland (8 a.m. ET). The hosts won bronze in 2022 and 2023 before losing to Finland in the third-place game last year. Finland has won a record 14 bronze medals.

Both games are going to be broadcast on NHL Network and TSN (1 and 4)

MORE WOMEN’S HOCKEY

• 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship Roundup: Standouts from quarterfinals
• 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship: Group stage takeaways, quarterfinal matchups
• 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship Roundup: Standouts from Day 7
• 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship Roundup: Standouts from Day 6
• 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship Roundup: Standouts from Day 5

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