CHICAGO, Ill. – For the first time ever, Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team has won the gold medal at the IIHF World Women’s Under-18 Championship, defeating the United States 5-4 in overtime in Saturday’s gold medal game at Seven Bridges Ice Arena.

Canadian captain Jessica Campbell (Melville, Sask./Pursuit of Excellence, Midget AAA) tipped home a Brigette Lacquette (Waterhen, Man./Pursuit of Excellence, Midget AAA) point shot 3:10 into the extra frame to complete Canada’s comeback from a 4-2 second period deficit. Jenna McParland (Schreiber, Ont./Toronto, PWHL) scored with 7:31 to go to force overtime, setting up Campbell’s heroics.

Laurie Kingsbury (Valleyfield, Que./Saint-Laurent, Collégial AA), Christine Bestland (Brunkild, Man./Pursuit of Excellence, Midget AAA) and Melodie Daoust (Valleyfield, Que./Edouard Montpetit, Collégial AA) also scored for Canada. Carmen MacDonald (Pictou, N.S./Westminster School, U.S. Prep) made 37 saves in the win, including 17 in the third period.

Canada had taken home silver from the first two world championships, falling 5-2 to the United States at the inaugural tournament in Calgary, Alta., in 2008, and 3-2 in overtime to the U.S. last year in Füssen, Germany.

Earlier Saturday, Sweden captured the bronze medal with a 7-3 victory over Germany.

Directorate award winners

Top Goaltender: Alex Rigsby (USA)

Top Defenceman: Brigette Lacquette (CAN)

Top Forward: Kendall Coyne (USA)

Most Valuable Player: Jessica Campbell (CAN)

Canada’s players and staff will return to their respective club teams on Sunday, April 4.