Antoinette Maldanado scored six minutes into the first half, giving Team USA a 1-0 lead in the game. Team Canada’s Amy Turek brought the score to 1-1, tying it up for the rest of the game and sending the play into overtime.

“We actually had some good scoring chances,” said Rich Garvey – Assistant Coach for Team USA. “At the end of the game we emphasized defense first because we knew we would outplay them, and if we were patient, we would get the goal.”

Team USA’s strategies worked when 15-year-old Maldonado came out of the corner with the puck in overtime, sending it to the net and garnering the gold.

“The feeling was phenomenal,” said Jeff Prime – Head Coach of Team USA. “Everyone rushed the floor. These girls have worked so hard and it was easy to get caught up in the competition. It was a wonderful feeling.”

Team USA outshot Canada 38-36. The competition was a reverse reflection of last year, when Team Canada took the Gold in the 2002 FIRS Inaugural Women’s World Inline Hockey Championships.

“It wasn’t as physical as last year, but there was more skill for both teams” said Joy Woog – Forward for Team USA. “Everyone had their chances and couldn’t get past the goalie (Canada). It went our way. This definitely sets up a barn burner for Canada next year.”

Annie Camins and Antoinette Maldonado were placed in the top five best players in the FIRS World Championships, making the All-Tournament Team.

“What I look at is the bright future for our Women’s Inline Hockey Team,” added Coach Prime. “I am proud of every last one of them. They worked hard and it definitely paid off.”

In the bronze game, the Czech Republic rolled off with a 3-1 victory over Germany.