UTICA, N.Y. — Kirsten Simms (Plymouth, Mich.) netted the game-winning goal 3:38 into overtime as the U.S. Women’s National Team shutout Canada, 1-0 to win Group A at the 2024 IIHF Women’s World Championship at the Adirondack Bank Center in Utica, N.Y. 

Aerin Frankel (Chappaqua, N.Y.) recorded a 26-save shutout in net to lead the U.S. on the defensive end, her second of the tournament.  

“I liked our energy in overtime and I liked our energy in the third period and the first period,” said John Wroblewski (Neenah, Wis.), head coach of the 2024 U.S. Women’s National Team. “We were very motivated all around.” 

The U.S. controlled play much of the first period, outshooting Canada 12-6, but were unable to get the puck past goaltender Ann-Renee Desbiens. 

Canada nearly broke the ice less than a minute into the second frame when Marie-Philip Poulin went for a rebound with an open net, but Alex Carpenter (North Reading, Mass.) prevented her from getting the shot off.

HIGHLIGHTS

The U.S. received back-to-back power play opportunities in the second period after Canada was tagged for a pair of illegal hits. Hannah Bilka (Coppell, Texas) eyed a one-goal lead when she jumped on a rebound on the edge of the crease but was denied by the quick glove of Desbiens. 

It was Canada’s turn on the power play at the end of the middle stanza after Team USA received minor penalties for hooking and delaying the game, heading into the final third down a skater.

The U.S. went back on the penalty kill at 15:45 in the third period. Kendall Coyne Schofield (Palos Heights, Ill.) created a shorthanded chance after she poked the puck away from a Canadian defender on the U.S. blueline and shot up the ice. She dished a pass to Hilary Knight (Sun Valley, Idaho) as she came down the slot but was denied by Desbiens. 

With the game scoreless after 60 minutes, the U.S. and Canada headed to overtime. 

Simms called game 3:38 into overtime on a three-on-one rush when Caroline Harvey (Salem, N.H.) set her up in the slot where she ripped a wrist shot through the five-hole of Desbiens. 

With the victory, Team USA has won Group A and will play in the quarterfinals at 8:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday.  

NOTES: Aerin Frankel (Chappaqua, N.Y.) was named the U.S. Player of the Game... The U.S. outshot Canada 30-26... The U.S. was 0-4 on the power play while Canada was 0-3... Tonight's attendance was 4,017, a sellout and a new ice hockey attendance record for the Adirondack Bank Center.

GAME PHOTOS