Canada Defeats Czechs to Face U.S. for Gold at Women’s U18 Hockey Worlds
The Canadian women’s U18 hockey team advanced to the gold medal game after a 4-2 semifinal victory over the Czech Republic on Saturday in Finland, avenging last year’s shocking loss to the Czechs in the same stage of the tournament.
Key Performers
Caileigh Tiller and Stryker Zablocki each contributed a goal and an assist, while Hayley McDonald and Sofia Ismael also found the back of the net for Canada. Czech players Linda Vocetkova and Julie Jebouskova scored for their team, with goalie Daniela Novakova making an impressive 43 saves.
Head coach Vicky Sunohara praised her players for sticking to their game plan: “I just told our players to keep sticking to our habits and details — there’s lots of game left, take a deep breath and play the type of hockey we know how to play.”
Primerano Shines
Chloe Primerano played a pivotal role in the victory, providing two assists and solidifying her position as a key player for Canada. The 18-year-old from North Vancouver, B.C., now holds the record for the most points with Canada’s U18 women’s team, surpassing Caitlin Kraemer with a total of 37 points. She also equaled hockey legend Marie-Philip Poulin for the most points by a Canadian at the U18 women’s worlds, totaling 26 points.
“Obviously with the records, I couldn’t have done it without my teammates, but I think a gold medal would mean a lot more,” Primerano stated. “It just means everything to get a chance to play against the U.S., and you couldn’t have written a better story. We’ll just go out there, play as a team and play how we know how to play and hopefully we can come out with the win.”
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Canada will face the defending champion United States in the gold medal game. The U.S. secured their spot after a narrow 2-1 win over Sweden in the other semifinal. Historically, the U18 world championship has seen a fierce rivalry between Canada and the U.S., with the Americans winning 9 titles and Canada claiming 7.
This matchup promises to be another thrilling chapter in the storied rivalry, as both teams vie for supremacy at the women’s U18 hockey world championship.