U.S. wins women's world hockey title

HARBIN, China - The United States won its second women's world hockey championship Saturday, upsetting Canada 4-3 behind two goals from Natalie Darwitz.

Angela Ruggiero and Jenny Potter also scored for the U.S., which had lost to Canada in nine of the last 10 finals. The Americans won the title in 2005.

The U.S. defeated Canada 4-2 in a playoff-round game Thursday to set up the rematch.

"For us, that was the first time we'd beat Canada in a long time on Thursday night," said Darwitz, the U.S. captain. "To finally get it off our backs and say, 'We can do this now, let's believe,' I think was a big factor in the tournament."

Sarah Vaillancourt, Katie Weatherston and Jennifer Botterill scored for Canada, the 2006 Olympic champions.

Darwitz scored her first goal at 17:41 of the first period to give the Americans a 2-1 lead.

Ruggiero added a power-play score midway through the second period to make it 3-1 after Canadian defender Colleen Sostorics was sent off for hooking.

Darwitz then gave the U.S. a 4-1 lead with 1:30 left in the second period after taking a pass from Kacey Bellamy and beating Canadian goaltender Kim St. Pierre with a slap shot.

The second-period goals by Ruggiero and Darwitz were awarded after video reviews.

"I'm glad the IIHF implemented video replay," Darwitz said. "Obviously it worked out in our favor this time."

The Canadians tried to rally in the third, getting goals from Weatherston and Botterill 1:10 apart midway through the period.

Canada had a two-man advantage for 49 seconds late in the period, but couldn't capitalize. American goalie Jessie Vetter made several big stops to preserve the lead.

"It hurts every time you watch them celebrate," Canadian captain Hayley Wickenheiser said. "We beat ourselves tonight."

Earlier, Finland earned the bronze medal with a 4-1 win over Switzerland.