HAMEENLINNA, Finland (AP) — Canada edged the defending champion United States 2-1 to complete round-robin play on Friday before they meet again in the women's world ice hockey championship final on Sunday.
Canada will go in undefeated in four matches after handing the Americans their first loss.
It will be the 12th successive final between the North American powers, of which Canada has won nine.
Jennifer Botterill and Caroline Ouellette scored in the second period — the first goals the U.S. conceded in the tournament — and Monique Lamoureux halved the deficit with less than two minutes left.
Jayna Hefford assisted on both goals for Canada to surpass 200 in her career and become only the third player to do so after Hayley Wickenheiser — considered the best women's player ever — and Danielle Goyette.
Canada goalie Charline Labonte hadn't played since facing just five shots in a tournament-opening 13-1 win over China. She showed no rust, however, and stopped 23 shots for the win, while Molly Schaus made 35 saves on 37 shots.
Nordic archrivals Sweden and Finland will meet in the bronze-medal game on Sunday. The Swedes routed Russia 8-0 on Friday.
Japan beat China 2-1 in the relegation round but both teams will return to Division I in the next championship in 2011.
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