Canada shuts out Japan 9-0 to remain unbeaten at Women’s Worlds

Canada continued its perfect start to the 2026 IIHF Women’s World Championship with a commanding 9-0 victory over Japan, combining contributions from nine different goal scorers with a shutout performance from goaltender Ève Gascon.

Daryl Watts finished with a goal and an assist, while Gascon stopped all 12 shots she faced. Japan’s Riko Kawaguchi made 45 saves despite the lopsided result, facing sustained Canadian pressure throughout the contest.

The victory also extended Canada’s unbeaten record against Japan in Women’s World Championship competition. The teams previously met in the 2025 quarterfinals in České Budějovice, where Canada earned a 9-1 win.

Canada takes control with strong opening period

Canada established its offensive presence early, generating chances through extended possession and pressure in Japan’s defensive zone.

Chloe Primerano opened the scoring at 6:29 of the first period, collecting her own rebound in the slot and converting for her first goal at the IIHF Women’s World Championship.

Erin Ambrose doubled the advantage at 14:32 after another lengthy Canadian possession. Danielle Serdachny sent the puck toward the slot, where Japanese defenders disrupted the intended play. Ambrose recovered the loose puck and fired into the top corner.

Canada maintained control into the second period, taking advantage of an extended two-player advantage after Japan received a delay-of-game bench penalty and Akane Shiga was assessed a high-sticking minor.

Jessie Eldridge delivered a cross-ice pass to Watts, who finished at the back door to make it 3-0. Nicole Gosling also earned an assist.

The helper was Eldridge’s fourth point of the tournament, marking a productive return to the competition after her previous Women’s Worlds appearance in 2022, when Canada won gold in Denmark.

Watts later turned provider, recovering a Japanese turnover behind the net and finding Rosalie Tremblay in front for Canada’s fourth goal.

Five third-period goals complete Canada’s 9-0 victory

Canada continued to dominate possession in the final period, adding five goals to put the result beyond doubt.

Kendall Cooper scored at 6:51 after Kawaguchi stopped her initial attempt, with the Canadian defender converting the rebound.

Emma Maltais extended the lead to 6-0 at 12:52 with an individual effort before Sophie Jaques scored on the power play with 1:50 remaining, firing from the point shortly after a faceoff.

Just 37 seconds later, Sarah Wozniewicz registered her first Women’s World Championship goal with a shot from the slot.

Caitlin Kramer completed the scoring with 18 seconds left, giving Canada nine goals from nine different players.

Despite allowing nine goals, Kawaguchi