USA Becomes First Team to Earn A Perfect Gold in Women’s U18 Worlds History

USA Hockey

The USA continued to make history in the Women’s U18 tournament with the first-ever perfect gold, never trailing or tied (after 0-0). 

It was a close matchup between the USA and Canada, but the Canadians were unable to crack Bianca Birrittieri, who recorded a 38-save shutout, making several critical saves throughout the game. With a performance like that, it was no surprise when Birrittieri was named the U.S. Player of the Game. This was the Texas natives first time representing the red, white, and blue, and she delivered. The 17-year-old has committed to play at Providence College. 

It was the Minnesota natives who gave the U.S. the first-period lead with Emily Pohl scoring net-front off the faceoff from Talla Hansen. In the second period, it was Lindsay Stephnowski who found the back of the net from the slot of Hansen's rebound to give the U.S. an insurance goal. Both teams continued to fight, but neither goaltender was backing down in the low-scoring affair, leading to the USA’s tenth gold at the tournament, with the first perfect gold.

Continuing with history, Jane Daley was named the 2026 IIHF U-18 Women’s World Championship’s Most Valuable Player after setting a new single-tournament record, putting up 12 goals throughout the tournament. The previous record was set in 2012 by Haley Skarupa, who had 11 goals in the tournament. She was also awarded the Directorate Award for the tournament's best forward and was also named to the Media All-Star team. Joining her on the Media All-Star Team is Maggie Averill, who was also awarded the Directorate Award for the tournament’s best defender.

The U.S. outscored their competition 56-2, showcasing their dominance in their youth programming and development, setting the tone for the next generation of women’s hockey.