Women’s Hockey: U.S. defeats Canada 2-1 in shootout in Halifax

The United States defeated Canada 2-1 in a shootout in the fourth game of their women’s hockey Rivalry Series in Halifax.

Kelly Pannek had the shootout winner for the Americans, who tied the series at two games a piece.

American captain Hilary Knight opened the scoring in the first period.

It stayed 1-0 U.S. until 2:20 remaining in the third, when Stellarton’s Blayre Turnbull shot the puck through goaltender Gwyneth Philips to tie it for Canada.

When the teams took to the ice to start the game, it was a deafening roar from the near sold-out crowd.

Both national anthems were played, fans cheered after the ‘Star-Spangled Banner,’ unlike in recent NHL games in Canada where boos could be heard.

That’s due to high tensions between the two nations as the threat of a trade war continues.

It was about the players pre-game, as Spryfield’s Troy Ryan was honoured for reaching 25 wins at the World Championships as Head Coach of Team Canada.

Fans also cheered loudly for Turnbull and assistant coach Kori Cheverie of New Glasgow.

Turnbull was named player of the game for Canada, while Philips took it for the Americans.

The teams will play the final game of the series in Summerside, PEI on Saturday.