U.S. women top Canada in OT for worlds title

Hilary Knight’s overtime goal gave the United States a 3-2victory over Canada in the gold-medal game of the women’s world championship, ending an emotionally charged two weeks for the team.

time to finish the Canadians offwith a second straightOT victory in aworld championship gold-medal game.

Knight, who made a nolook, between-the leg pass to set up Bellamy’s second goal, was trailing on a 3-on-2 rush when Coyne dropped a pass to her and she scored from the inside of the left circle. In the 2011 world championship final, Knight also scored the gold-medalwinning goal in OT.

“She’s one of the best in the world and she comes up big when you need her and the moment is huge,” Bellamy said. “That’s what’s what make her so special. When everything is on the line, she comes through clutch.”

When Knight lit the goal lamp, the jubilant Americans screamed with joy and hugged in a huge huddle.

“Nothing compares to a gold-medal game against Canada,” Bellamy said. “The emotions are so high. The energy in the building was incredible and it was a really fast-paced game andwe had to fight to the end.”

The Canadians, meanwhile, skated in the other direction. They rested their gloves on their knees and stared at the ice in silence as a sold-out crowd at USA Hockey Arena roared.

Canada struggled early in the tournament before rallying to face off against the Americans as they’ve done in all 18 world championships. The Canadians openedwith a 2-0 loss to the U.S. and a stunning, 4-3 setback against Finland before bouncing back with an 8-0 rout of Russia and a 4-0 win over the Finns in the semifinals.

CARLOS OSORIO — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS U.S. forward Hilary Knight (21) and defender Monique Lamoureux (7) reach for the puck next to Canada forward Brianne Jenner (19) during the first period of the gold-medal game of the women’s world hockey championships, Friday in Plymouth, Mich.