Canada defeats U.S. to remain perfect in Olympic women’s hockey

Canadian players celebrate a goal against the USA during a preliminary Women's Ice Hockey game at the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games. (JAVIER ETXEZARRETA/EPA)

Canada’s women’s hockey team clinched top spot in pool play by beating the arch-rival Americans 2-1.

Meghan Agosta of Ruthven, Ont., and Hamilton’s Sarah Nurse scored in the second period for the Canadians, who are aiming for a fifth straight Olympic title.

Genevieve Lacasse of Kingston, Ont., stopped 44 shots.

"It starts with defence first and I think our team was committed to that tonight," said Canadian coach Laura Schuler. "Today, it was about sticking with the process and I think our girls did a good job with that."

With her 16th goal in her fourth Olympics, Agosta moved into second all-time behind Canada’s Hayley Wickenheiser (18).

Both the U.S. and Canada had already booked berths in Monday’s semifinals, having won their first two games in Pool A.

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