Team Canada takes gold at U18 women's hockey worlds, Sask.'s Zablocki leads scoring

Team Canada defeated Team USA to take gold in the 2025 IIHF U18 Women's World Championship. (Hockey Canada/X)

For the third time in four years, Canada has brought home gold from the Under-18 Women’s World Championship – with help from Saskatchewan’s own Stryker Zablocki.

Team Canada defeated the United States 3-0 to capture top honours at the tournament hosted at the Trio Arena in Vantaa, Finland on Sunday.

Goaltender Marilou Grenier made 14 saves for a shut out – while Team USA’s Morgan Stickney made 26 saves over the course of the match.

Forward Caileigh Tiller opened up scoring on a power-play in the second period – while Dorothy Copetti provided the team with some insurance in the third period with an additional goal.

Notably, Zablocki locked in the victory when she scored her tournament leading eighth goal and 12th point on an empty net in the final minute of play.

Zablocki, who hails from Prince Albert and is a member of the Regina Rebels U18 AAA team, is one of two Saskatchewan athletes on the national squad – the other being Saskatoon’s Alida Korte.

Korte recorded an assist during her two games played.

Zablocki previously qualified and helped Team Canada defeat Finland in last year’s bronze medal match.

In the battle for third this year, Czechia scored two goals in the third period to prevail over Sweden and capture bronze with a 3-2 victory.

Nela Lopusanova of Slovakia was named the most valuable player of the tournament after recording five goals and 11 points.