Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics – Women Final Match – February 22, 2018 – Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson of the U.S. scores the game winning goal against goalkeeper Shannon Szabados of Canada during a penalty shootout. REUTERS/Bruce Bennett/Pool
Elvin George
The US women’s hockey team broke a 20-year kosing streak by beating Canada, and winning their first gold medal in hockey since 1998.
All but one of the gold medal games in the past two decades were between the northern neighbours. Canada attempted to extend their gold medal streak to 5, but after an entertaining shootout, the Americans finally reclaimed the gold.
The game was close from the puck drop, a classic Canada vs US end-to-end hockey match. Down 2-1 late in the 3rd period, the US caught the Canadians on a line change which rewarded them a breakaway. American Monique Lamourex caught the Canadian goalie too far back and lifted the puck past her to force the game to a shootout.
“It was towards the end of my shift and they were going for a change I think, and she(Pannek) turned and fired a pass towards me,” Lamoureux said in a post game interview.”I was going high glove it didn’t go high glove but it went in, so I don’t care.”
Despite their loss, Canadian Mélodie Daoust made a cheeky move in the shootout that will be remembered long after the defeat.
The neck-and-neck shootout had to go to extra rounds, and the sixth American shooter, Jocelyne Lamoureux, scored the gold-clinching goal.
During the medal ceremony, an emotional Canadian forward Jocelyne Larocque took off the silver medal immediately after receiving it. Larocque previously won a gold medal at Sochi 2014.
Jocelyne Larocque took off her silver medal literally as soon as it was placed on her neck pic.twitter.com/m32VdrVueo
— Katie Brown (@katiebhockey) February 22, 2018
TSN Story Editor, Chris Seguin, had mixed emotions entering the final.
“I knew any Canada vs U.S. tilt will make me go on a emotional roller coaster,” Seguin said.
“USA were the favorites entering the match, and I’m surprised Canada kept their composure throughout the game.
“Americans kept on pressing from the puck drop, it could’ve easily been a blow-out, but Canada defended well.”
There were also many other Canadian Olympians in attendance. Figure skater and gold medal winner Scott Moir seemed to be enjoying himself at the match. He sat alongside other figure skater Patrick Chan.
Canadian figure skaters Scott Moir and Patrick were on hand to cheer on their fellow Canadians. Both Moir and Chan took home gold medals in figure skating at Pyeongchang.
Moir’s emotional reactions stole the spotlight.
ATTA BOY @ScottMoir pic.twitter.com/dINIxPeikO
— Rob Williams (@RobTheHockeyGuy) February 22, 2018
Me: I object! I just don’t get all this love for Scott Moir.
*half in the bag Scott Moir chirps refs at #CANvUSA women’s hockey*
Me: Withdrawn your Honor! Withdrawn. pic.twitter.com/XkkHYhdiEx
— Andrew Ivimey (@Ivimey) February 22, 2018
94. This is why T loves him. pic.twitter.com/hsAmoeUIqU
— VirtueMoir. End Of Story. (@OfVirtueMoir) February 22, 2018
Canadian Curling Woes
The Canadian women’s curling team, who were favoured to end up on the podium, had an early exit as they fell to 6th place and are no longer in medal contention. Meanwhile, the US outplayed the men’s Canadian curling side for a spot in the finals with the Canadians forced to play for bronze.
Silver Skater
Canadian peed skater Kate Boutin took home silver in the women’s 1000 metre short-track speedskating. This is her third medal in PyeongChang as she won bronze in 500 and 1,500.
Kim Boutin wins silver in 1000m short track, reaching the podium for the 3rd time these Games #PyeongChang2018https://t.co/YYUitFoszU pic.twitter.com/h6SarLQTTX
— CBC Olympics (@CBCOlympics) February 22, 2018
What’s Next
Canada’s women’s hockey team fell short, but the men’s hockey team still have a chance for gold. Germany is their next opponent in the semi-finals on Friday morning at 7:10am EST. Canada’s curling team will be playing for bronze against Switzerland at 1:35am on Friday.