With Melody Davidson behind Canada’s bench, it was clear that Canada would not underestimate any opponent. But it was all the more easy to take this to heart, after watching huge underdog Sweden outlast the USA in the earlier semi-final of the day.

In the first semi-final of the day, Sweden caused the biggest upset in women’s hockey history, beating the defending Olympic silver medalists and World Champions, the U.S., 3-2 in a shootout. The U.S. had never lost to any team other than Canada in the history of women’s hockey. The best the U.S. could now do would be bronze.

The Canadian players seemed tentative for much of the opening frame, and the Finns seemed up the challenge. But just as it looked like Finland was going to get out of a scoreless first period, despite being outplayed, Canada found the mark. At 17:33, during a Canada power play, Katie Weatherston (Thunder Bay, ON/Dartmouth College, ECAC) found a loose puck and came out untouched from the corner of the Finnish end and beat Finnish goaltender Maija Hassinen over the shoulder. At 19:15, during another power play, Canada’s pressure led to an insurance goal as forward Gillian Apps (Unionville, ON/Dartmouth College, ECAC) held strong in front of the net and put a loose puck by Hassinen. Canada held a 2-0 lead through the first period, outshooting Finland 12-5.

Canada’s power play struck twice in the second. Hayley Wickenheiser (Shaunovan, SK/Calgary X-Treme) found a seam in the middle and beat Hassinen who was screened on the play. On another power play, Caroline Ouellette blasted a shot from the point, that went through Hassinen, and chased the Finnish goaltender from the game.

Cherie Piper (Scarborough, ON/Dartmouth College) added two goals in the third period, and Canada skated to a resounding 6-0 win.

Both medal games will take place on Monday, February 20th in Turin. The bronze medal game between Finland and the USA will start at 16:30 (local)/ 10:30 (ET). The gold medal game between Canada and Sweden will start at 20:30 (local)/ 14:30 (ET). Both games are being held that the Palasport Arena.