Despite losing all eight meetings this past year by a combined score of 31-13, Team Canada beat Team USA when it mattered most, 3-2 in the gold medal game at the Salt Lake Olympic Winter Games.
Caroline Ouellette, Hayley Wickenheiser and Jayna Hefford scored for Team Canada, which avenged a loss to the U.S. in the gold medal game at the 1998 Nagano Games.
Nine holdovers from that Canadian squad skated in Thursday's Olympic rematch at the E-Center.
Hayley Wickenheiser celebrates her goal with Geraldine Heaney.(CP Photo)
"It's been four long years thinking about that disappointment in '98 and finally bringing the gold medal home to the country where it belongs," Team Canada captain Cassie Campbell said, bursting into tears.
"We just feel great, I can't believe it," added an equally emotional Wickenheiser, the tournament MVP with seven goals and 10 points.
"The Americans had our flag on their floor in the dressing room and now I want to know if they want us to sign it. We are so happy."
