U.S.defeats Canada to Sweep Women’s Hockey Rivalry series

EDMONTON – Canada showed betterment, but the United States proved too strong, winning the fourth and final game of their women’s hockey Rivalry Series.

The U.S. defeated Canada 4-1 in Edmonton on Saturday, completing a sweep of the four-game series and a dominant 24-7 goal differential.

Canada played with more intensity and cohesion than in their previous 10-4 loss, but couldn’t overcome their rivals ahead of February’s Olympic Games.

“Nothing awesome comes easy,” said Canadian captain Marie-Philip Poulin. “We know there’s work to be done. We can’t dwell on these four games.”

U.S. captain Hilary Knight, who plans to retire from international hockey after her fifth Olympic Games, scored twice, including an empty-net goal. A crowd of 7,722 at Rogers Place witnessed the victory.

Knight also scored the first-ever goal in the Rivalry Series, back on February 12, 2019.

“It’s special to represent your country and play against such a strong team,” Knight said. “We’re fortunate to win this year’s series.”

Laila Edwards and Caroline Harvey scored the U.S.’s first two goals. Goaltender Aerin Frankel made 23 saves.