Fillier's hat trick leads Canada past Switzerland to set stage for gold-medal rematch vs. U.S.

Canada was dominating Switzerland, but more than 30 minutes into the game, it still couldn't find the back of the net.

Enter Sarah Fillier.

Midway through the second period, the budding superstar walked into the slot and fired. The first sound was the loud ring of the post. But then, jubilation. Finally, after 21 shots, a goal.

Fillier wouldn't stop there, either. She added two more, sending hats flying onto the rink at the CAA Centre in Brampton, Ont., as Canada beat Switzerland 5-1 in the semifinals at the women's hockey world championship on Saturday.

WATCH | Fillier hat trick sends Canada into gold-medal game:

It sets up a highly anticipated gold-medal showdown on Sunday against the U.S., which trounced the Czech Republic 9-1. Canada, the reigning Olympic gold medallist, will be eyeing its third straight world title against a young, hungry American side featuring five rookies.

"It's not hard to get up for this game, and I'm sure they're saying the same thing over there," Fillier said.

It'll be the 22-year-old Fillier's fourth major final against the U.S. She's emerged victorious in each of the previous three, helping flip the rivalry edge back to Canada.

The Georgetown, Ont., native is now tied for the tournament lead with 10 goals, to go along with four assists.

After being held off the scoresheet in Canada's game against the Czechs, head coach Troy Ryan pulled Fillier aside for a chat. Ryan thought there was another level for Fillier to hit.

"She's at her best when she's almost like a shark," Ryan said. "She's hunting pucks and she's always aggressive, attacking."

Fillier responded in a big way, tallying eight points and five goals in four games since. She recalled the conversation with Ryan on Saturday, saying it was all about mindset.

"I need to have the mentality that I can be dominant with people that I've looked up to my whole life," she said. "And then just being dangerous every time I step onto the ice."

Her line, where she centres Sarah Nurse and Natalie Spooner, has been Canada's most productive.