Inspired U.S. women top Canada in opener

USA 2 CANADA 0

PLYMOUTH, Michigan — There was extra emotion in the U.S. women’s centre-ice hug following their 2-0 win over Canada to open the world hockey championship Friday.

The Americans not only shook off the drama that preceded their tournament, but feel they’re a stronger team after collectively demanding more financial support from USA Hockey and getting it.

The host country and defending champions didn’t report to training camp and had threatened to boycott the world championship on home ice if their federation didn’t give them more of what the men’s teams get.

The U.S. women lacked on-ice preparation with just two practices together and no pre-tournament games, but exercising their bargaining power was the ultimate team-building activity.

“We’re so united,” U.S. forward Gigi Marvin said. “We were itching to be on the ice and it was displayed beautifully tonight, the unity, the support around the ice.

“It was something that means a lot especially after what we went through.”

Brianna Decker scored late in the second period off a feed from Megan Bozek. Marvin scored the second goal threading a shot from the point through traffic early in the third.

Goaltender Nicole Hensley collected an 18-save shutout.

Edmonton’s Shannon Szabados, playing in her first international tournament for Canada since the 2014 Olympics, stopped 26-of-28 shots in the loss.

The U.S. takes on Russia (1-0) followed by Canada versus Finland (0-1) in today’s Pool A games.

Canada scored a combined eight goals to beat the U.S. in a two-game series in December, but their attack was lukewarm Friday.

The Americans carried a 20-9 margin in shots into the third period. The Canadians had a couple of chances in the second period to strike first.