Knight silences Canada as U.S. rallies to win women's hockey gold

The thunderous crowd of nearly 5,000 fans at the women's hockey world championship final in Brampton, Ont., was overwhelming.

Periodically, a small group of American supporters would attempt U-S-A chants. Each time — even after a U.S. goal — it would be drowned out by CA-NA-DA.

On the ice, however, it was the U.S. that always seemed to have the answer.

In yet another seesaw battle between the bitter rivals, the Americans emerged with gold, winning 6-3 despite facing three separate one-goal deficits.

U.S. captain Hilary Knight scored twice in the final minutes to complete a hat trick and secure the comeback victory.

"It's hard to beat Canada. It's hard to beat Canada in Canada. So we definitely felt like an underdog, we always feel like an underdog, people are always rooting against us," Knight said. "But somehow we persevere, and it feels sweeter that way."

WATCH | Knight's hat trick leads U.S. past Canada for gold:

Both of Knight's goals came on the power play after Canada's Brianne Jenner saw the box for tripping and Claire Thompson for delay of game.

The American win ends a run of dominance for Canada, the reigning Olympic gold medallists who had also won the last two world titles.

"It's a tough one to swallow," said Canadian captain Marie-Philip Poulin, who scored the game's opening goal. "Lots of mixed feelings. … Obviously you want to win, but like I said it's part of it. It is part of sports. It's how you respond after that."

The U.S. now has 10 world titles to Canada's 12. It can close the gap to one on home ice next April when the tournament heads to Utica, N.Y.

Poulin said she's already thinking about handing the favour back to the Americans on their home ice.

The game went back-and-forth throughout.

Canada took an early lead when Poulin opened the scoring on a five-one-three, picking a corner from her office at the top of the circle. But Abbey Murphy brought the game back level for the U.S. with just under two minutes left in the first frame.