Key Takeaways
- The United States won the 2026 IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship, defeating Canada 2-0 in the final and claiming their 10th gold medal.
- The U.S. team had a flawless run to gold, remaining undefeated throughout the tournament and never trailing in any game.
- Canada settled for silver, their ninth time finishing as runners-up, and third time hosting the tournament and finishing second to the U.S.
- Goaltender Bianca Birritieri was instrumental in the U.S. victory, turning away all 38 shots she faced and earning a shutout.
- American forward Jane Daley was named the tournament’s most valuable player and forward of the tournament, setting a new U-18s record with 12 goals.
Introduction to the Championship
The 2026 IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship came to a close on Sunday, with the United States emerging victorious and claiming their 10th gold medal. The final game saw the U.S. face off against Canada, with the Americans ultimately winning 2-0. The lead-up to the final had been billed as a battle between two high-scoring teams, with the U.S. having scored 54 goals through the semifinals and Canada having potted 50. However, it was the U.S. that came out on top, thanks in large part to the stellar play of their goaltender, Bianca Birritieri.
The Final Game
The final game between the U.S. and Canada was an exciting and closely contested match. Canada brought the offensive pressure, firing 15 shots on goal in the first period, but Birritieri was up to the task, turning away each and every one of them. The U.S. was able to take an early lead, with Emily Phol scoring for the fourth game in a row. Canada continued to push in the middle frame, but were unable to find the back of the net. Lindsay Stepnowski extended the U.S.’ lead with her sixth goal of the tournament, and Birritieri continued to shut the door, ultimately turning away all 38 shots she faced in the win.
Goaltending and Team Performance
The decision to start Birritieri on back-to-back days may have raised some eyebrows, particularly given that the team had Morgan Stickney, who had led the team to the gold medal game the previous year. However, head coach Courtney Kennedy had seen Birritieri’s impressive play against Canada during the Summer Series in August, and the decision ultimately paid off. The U.S. team’s performance was truly dominant, with the team never trailing once throughout the tournament and allowing just two goals. Birritieri and Stickney were both instrumental in this success, and their play was a key factor in the team’s championship win.
Tournament Awards and Recognition
Following the final game, several players were recognized for their outstanding performances throughout the tournament. American forward Jane Daley was named the forward of the tournament, as well as the event’s most valuable player. The 16-year-old led the tournament with 17 points, setting a new U-18s record with 12 goals. USA captain Maggie Averill was named Best Defender, as the third-year U-18 veteran led all defenders with 14 points. These awards were a testament to the exceptional skill and dedication of these players, and a fitting recognition of their contributions to their team’s championship win.
Other Tournament News
In other news from the tournament, Czechia defeated Sweden 4-3 to take the bronze medal for the second year in a row. This marked a significant achievement for the Czech team, who became the first European nation to win a medal three years in a row. This success is a testament to the growing strength and competitiveness of European women’s hockey, and a sign of exciting things to come in the future. Overall, the 2026 IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship was a thrilling and competitive tournament, with the U.S. team ultimately emerging victorious and claiming their 10th gold medal.