US, Czech Republic, Canada secure semifinal spots at women’s ice hockey worlds

Canada, led by two goals each from Jennifer Gardiner and Sarah Fillier, advanced to the semifinals of the women's ice hockey world championship with a dominant 9-1 win over Japan; they will face Finland, who edged Sweden 3-2 in a tightly contested quarterfinal. The United States also secured a semifinal berth by shutting out Germany 3-0, with goals from Kelly Pannek, Lacey Eden, and Alex Carpenter, and will play host Czech Republic, who overpowered Switzerland 7-0. Canadian captain Marie-Philip Poulin is now just one point shy of Hayley Wickenheiser's national tournament record, while U.S. captain Hilary Knight extended her worlds record to 51 points. Finland's victory over Sweden was highlighted by Susanna Tapani's decisive third-period goal, keeping their medal hopes alive. Sweden, despite topping their group, will play in the fifth-place game. The semifinals are set: Canada vs. Finland and United States vs. Czech Republic.