WOMEN'S HOCKEY: U.S. wins world title

The Americans stood at the blue line, arms locked, belting out the national anthem with gold medals around their necks.

This time, they were able to enjoy the conclusion of a worldwide tournament.

One year after losing Olympic gold to the Canadians, the Americans grabbed at least a little bit of revenge by beating Canada 3-2 in overtime to win the gold medal at the IIHF World Women's Championship in Zurich, Switzerland.

Grand Forks native and UND sophomore Jocelyne Lamoureux scored the first goal of the game for Team USA, while twin sister Monique Lamoureux-Kolls assisted on it and was named the best forward in the tournament.

The Lamoureux twins improved to 10-0 in the World Championship tournament, winning their second gold. They also were members of the 2009American squad.

Warroad, Minn., product and University of Minnesota graduate Gigi Marvin also was on the American squad, which finished the tournament with a perfect record.

"I am so thrilled for the players," American coach Katey Stone said. "They've worked extremely hard and bought into everything we were trying to accomplish. They played their hearts out. What an awesome night."

Wisconsin junior Hilary Knight got the game-winning goal at 7:48 of overtime.

American forward Julie Chu carried the puck in the zone and pulled up at the top of the left circle. Defenseman Caitlin Cahow went hard to the net to create a screen. Chu's shot went off of Cahow's skate and right to Knight, who was open on the back door. Knight, who led the NCAA with 47 goals, easily put the puck in the net to start the celebration.

The Americans piled off the bench to celebrate their third straight gold in the worlds.

Canada beat the U.S. 2-0 in the Vancouver Games last February with Canadian goalie Shannon Szabados completely shutting down the Americans.

This time, the Lamoureux twins got to Szabados early.

Jocelyne forced a turnover at neutral ice and carried the puck in the zone two-on-one with Monique on the left wing. Jocelyne threaded a pass to Monique, who moved it back to Jocelyne for a tap-in goal at 16:56 of the opening frame.

Canada evened it with just eight seconds left in the first, though, when Gillian Apps sniped a wrister by U.S. goalie Jessie Vetter, who finished with 51 saves.

Jenny Potter scored the go-ahead goal for Team USA in the second period, dangling past a defenseman and moving it to her backhand, but Canada tied it up on a late power play when Rebecca Johnston scored.

Canada nearly won the game in shocking fashion in overtime. On a delayed penalty, the U.S. pulled Vetter for an extra attacker and got the puck set up in the zone. An errant pass intended for the defensemen went the length the ice, missing the empty U.S. net by about an inch.

The Americans didn't score on the power play, but a couple of minutes later, Knight finished off the victory.

For the tournament, Monique finished with seven points in three games. Jocelyne had six points in five games. Marvin had three points.

UND's Karvinen

shines for Finns

UND redshirt freshman Michelle Karvinen led Finland to the bronze medal at the tournament. The Finns beat Russia 3-2 in overtime and Karvinen assisted on the winning goal.

For the tournament, Karvinen led Finland in scoring with four goals and eight points in six games. She was the tournament's third-leading scorer and was named a media all-star.

Reach Schlossman at (701) 780-1129; (800) 477-6572, ext. 129; or send e-mail to bschlossman@gfherald.com .