USA retain World Women's Championship with win over Canada

THE USA have made history by securing their second consecutive World Women's Championship success with a thrilling victory over arch rivals Canada in Finland.

The 4-1 win moves the USA ahead of Canada in the world rankings for the first time since the system was introduced in 2004.

It was Caitlin Cahow's sparking double that inspired the USA to victory, with Meghan Duggan and Hilary Knight also chipping in for the Olympic bronze medallists.

Cahow set the tone for the USA, rifling them in front after just 24 seconds, the fastest goal in a gold medal match in World Championship history.

 On six minutes Canada' Caroline Ouellette fed Jennifer Botterill who put the puck past American goaltender Jessie Vetter.

But the USA were quick to restore their one-goal lead when, five minutes later, Jocelyne Lamoureux threaded a pass to Duggan, who was in the middle of four red jerseys, yet still found the net.

Cahow then added her third with just 13 minutes remaining on the clock and as Canada desperately tried to get back into the match, Knight added a fourth late on.