Canada's women's hockey team beat the United States 5-3 on Wednesday night at the WFCU Centre in Windsor, Ontario, in the first of two exhibition games before next month's IIHF Women's World Championship in Denmark. The win ended an eight-game losing streak against the Americans and was Canada's first victory over the U.S. since February 8, 2025.

Why did this exhibition matter?

The game was the first meeting between the rivals since the Olympic gold-medal final in Milan, Italy, in February, which the Americans won. Canada captain Renata Fast said the memory lingers, though she stressed the roster has changed. "It always sits in the back of your mind," Fast said of the silver medal, adding that the group is young and eager to establish itself.

How did Canada build and lose its lead?

Canada took a 2-1 lead into the second period after Daryl Watts and Caitlin Kraemer scored. Hilary Knight pulled the U.S. within one at 5:37 of the second, but Rosalie Tremblay restored the two-goal edge at 9:46. Abbey Murphy made it 3-2 early in the third, and the Americans thought they had tied it when Joy Dunne scored with 14:58 left. Canada won a challenge arguing the play was offside, and the goal was wiped out.

Who decided the game?

Caroline Harvey tied it 3-3 with 12:07 remaining when her shot deflected in off Canadian forward Danielle Serdachny's skate, with Hayley Scamurra and Kelly Pannek assisting. Sarah Fillier then broke the tie with 8:15 left, and Laura Stacey sealed it with an empty-net goal in the final six seconds. Kraemer and Tremblay both scored their first senior international goals.

What comes next?

The teams meet again Friday night in Plymouth, Michigan. The world championship runs November 6-16 in Herning and Esbjerg, Denmark, giving both coaches one more look at their lineups before the tournament.

FAQ

When and where is the world championship?

The IIHF Women's World Championship runs November 6-16 in Herning and Esbjerg, Denmark.

Who scored the winning goal for Canada?

Sarah Fillier scored the go-ahead goal with 8:15 remaining, breaking a 3-3 tie.