US women win gold in Olympic ice hockey

The US women's ice hockey team ended a 20-year gold medal drought by beating archrival and four-time champion Canada 3-2 in a shootout thriller on Thursday.

The two powerhouses have traded world titles and Olympic medals since the 1990s. They have also been the only two women's ice hockey teams ever to win an Olympic gold medal.

The Americans hit top gear first and lead the opener 1-0, but defending champion Canada came from behind strong to score two points in the second period. The determined Americans brought the game to overtime with a goal by Monqiue Lamoureux-Morando.

In the thrilling penalty shootout, Maddie Rooney, the 20-year-old American goalie, came up with one final stop to the goal by Meghan Agosta, and the US nailed the victory 3-2.

"It is everything for our country. I can't tell you how happy I am for our players. I am just so thankful for the outcome. It was a thrilling final, it was unreal," said US head coach Robb Stauber.