ZURICH, Switzerland – Canada’s National Women’s Team took the silver medal at the 2011 IIHF World Women’s Championship, after falling to the United States 3-2 in overtime during the gold medal game Monday night at the Hallenstadion in Zurich. 

Jocelyne Lamoureux opened the scoring, making it 1-0 for the United States at 16:56 in the first, but Gillian Apps (Unionville, Ont.) took a nice shot off a pass out front to tie it up in the last eight seconds of the period.

In the second period, Jenny Potter stickhandled the puck to her backhand and put it into the back of the Canadian net at 12:05 to regain a 2-1 lead for the United States. Canada tied it up again in the third, with Rebecca Johnston (Sudbury, Ont.)  letting a quick shot go at 16:04 in the period.

A fast-paced overtime period ended in favour of the United States, with Hilary Knight netting the game-winner and the United States winning gold at the 2011 IIHF World Women’s Championship.

Earlier Monday, the bronze medal game also went into overtime, with Finland winning 3-2 over Russia. Canadian defenceman Meaghan Mikkelson (St. Albert, Alta.) and forward Hayley Wickenheiser (Shaunavon, Sask.) were both named to the tournament’s media all-star team.

For Canada, this is their fourth silver medal at the IIHF World Women’s Championship (2005, 2008, 20). Canada has won more gold medals at the event than any other country with nine total (1990, 1992, 1994, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 20). Canada’s National Women’s Team has appeared in every gold medal game since the inaugural IIHF World Women’s Championship in Ottawa, Ont., in 1990.