In game one of the U18 rivalry series, we saw Canada jump out strong, pressuring the Americans hard and being rewarded with a goal from Etobicoke’s own Adrianna Milani to break the scoreless tie. After that, we saw a good jump from USA, carrying a strong possession of play in Canada’s end without many chances. To start the second USA scored early, just over 30 seconds in, with a beauty of a goal by defending Nepsac champ Lindsay Stepnowski off her backhand from in tight. Stickney looked strong mid-way through the second, making an excellent cross crease save to keep things tied. That period would end with mostly Canada carrying the play, with Ismael having a very strong game. In the third, there was a defensive lapse for the Americans, and Piggott was able to walk into the offensive zone and roof one blocker side uncontested to give Canada a 2-1 lead with just under 14 left in the 3rd. About 2 minutes later, Morrison is left out front all alone, and Tremblay finds her for a low bomb from the slot. 3-1 Canada. With less than 6 minutes left on the power play, Mossey releases a bullet from the slot that increases their lead to 4-1. USA put on a decent push with about 90 seconds left, but the final in Lake Placid remains 4-1 for Canada.
USA will likely look to tighten up its defense and give Canada fewer contested chances in strong scoring areas. For Canada, they need to stick to playing consistently and continue to not try too much with the puck. Their defense made it hard for the American forwards to create in the middle of the ice, which was a big reason why USA struggled today.
Below is a list of players we believed to have stood out the most, not only on the score sheet but all over the ice, in Game One.
Canada
Sofia Ismael #10 (Etobicoke Jr. Dolphins, F, 2026, Penn State) : Ismael was effective on both ends of the ice, blocking shots and always looking to support the puck. She helped create offense and can be relied upon in any situation.
Adrianna Milani #21 (Etobicoke Jr. Dolphins, F, 2027) : Milani was strong on the faceoff dot and constantly moving her feet taking care of the center of the ice for her team.
Rosalie Tremblay #8 (Stanstead College, F, 2026, Wisconsin) : Tremblay was fast and fearless on her forechecks. Applying strong pressure on the USA defense, looking to cause turnovers. She won a lot of her races to the puck and added a clean physicality and energy to the game.
Lea-Rose Charrois #30 (Saint Laurent, G) : Charrois looked calm and technical in her crease. She limited rebounds and looked to have tracked the puck very well from distance. She was moving well and approaching the game with confidence and poise.
Hayley McDonald #11 (Rink Academy – Kelowna, F, 2026, Ohio State) : McDonald was great in the offensive zone. She did not find the score sheet, but she was actively creating good offense for Canada and finding good space for scoring chances.
USA
Kylie Amelkovich #11 (Shattuck St. Mary’s Prep, F, 2026, Penn State) : Amelkovich was flying around all game long. Winning races to pucks and keeping her feet moving on the forecheck. She was strong as a penalty killer and made herself effective on each shift due to her effort.
Morgan Stickney #31 (Shattuck St. Mary’s Prep, G, 2026, Penn State) : Stickney was not to blame for today’s score. She looked explosive and athletic in net, making an awesome cross-crease save halfway through the game. She was great last year and is in a good spot to repeat or improve from last years tournament.
Maddy Kimbrel #25 (Orono High School, F, 2026, Wisconsin) : Kimbrel looked very good, skating fast and giving a complete effort on every shift. She showed a good balance of effort and skill, using her strengths to her advantage. She is one of the top elite players on this team and will need to keep up her efforts from today if the team wants to improve.
Lindsay Stepnowski #23 (Loomis Chaffee School, F, 2026, Harvard) : Stepnowski looked fast and confident in the offensive zone. She was the lone goal scorer for USA due to being fearless and settling in early to the game by taking the puck through the middle of the ice.
Emily Pohl #7 (Hill Murray High School, F, 2027) : Pohl was all around the puck offensively, winning battles and looking to feed pucks into the slot. She was confident with the puck and in her offensive abilities, which helped her team compete.