KAMLOOPS, British Columbia – Former captain Amanda Pelkey '14 won a gold medal with the United States Women's National Team on Monday night as the Americans defeated Canada, 1-0, in overtime in the title game of the 2016 IIHF Women's World Championship. 
 
RELATED LINKS
Gold Medal Game Highlights
USA Hockey Postgame Video
 
Pelkey is the first Vermonter and Vermont women's hockey player to win a gold medal at a world championship. The win yesterday capped off an impressive year for Pelkey. Since graduating she has won the Four Nations Cup, Isobel Cup (NWHL Championship), and now the World Championship. She was also named an NWHL All-Star after a strong season with the Boston Pride.
 
Pelkey skated in four of the U.S.'s five games in the tournament as the Americans went undefeated and outscored their opponents 23-2. The U.S. has now won six of the last seven world championships (2008, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016).
 
Current Catamounts Saana Valkama and Sammy Kolowrat also had strong performances in Kamloops. Valkama opened the scoring in Finland's semifinal game against Canada. Throughout the tournament she registered seven shots on goal as Finland finished fourth overall after a shootout loss to Russia in the bronze medal game. Kolowrat scored a power play goal for the Czechs in their second ever tournament win a 3-1 decision over 2014 Olympic bronze medalist Switzerland. Kolowrat concluded the tournament with an even plus-minus rating as the Czechs notched their best-ever finish (sixth).

The U.S. will look to defend its gold medal on home ice when it hosts the 2017 IIHF Women's World Championship next April at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan.
 
The 2015-16 Vermont women's hockey campaign is brought to you by the Windjammer Restaurant and Inn.