Brady Tkachuk, a prominent figure in the hockey world, pointed to the referees as the primary reason behind Canada’s heartbreaking loss to the USA in the Women’s World Championship gold medal game.
With both teams battling fiercely throughout regulation and overtime, Tkachuk’s comment that “They lost because the refs didn’t help them anymore” has ignited a storm of debate among fans, analysts, and players alike.
Tkachuk’s Statement Raises Eyebrows
Brady Tkachuk, known for his bluntness and honesty, did not hold back when discussing the outcome of the game. In a post-game interview, Tkachuk stated, “They lost because the refs didn’t help them anymore.” His comment was an immediate point of contention, especially given his status as a Canadian hockey icon.
Tkachuk, whose family has deep ties to Canadian hockey, seemed to suggest that Canada’s loss in overtime was the result of inconsistent or unfair officiating, particularly in the final moments of the game. “It was a hard-fought battle, but the refs just weren’t on Canada’s side in the end,” he said, hinting that certain calls—or the lack of them—impacted the outcome.
While Tkachuk did not provide specifics about which calls he was referring to, his words were enough to fuel the ongoing debate about refereeing standards in high-stakes games like the Women’s World Championship final.
USA beats Canada in overtime in Women’s World Championship gold medal game: Live updates and reaction
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USA beats Canada in gold medal game
The United States has beaten Canada 4-3 in overtime in the final of the 2025 Women’s World Championships, winning the gold medal for the 11th time.
Tessa Janecke was the hero for the U.S., scoring from the side of the net 17:06 into overtime to secure the win.
After a scoreless first period, the game exploded into life in the second. Caroline Harvey and Abbey Murphy each scored for the U.S. in the space of 29 seconds to give the Americans a 2-0 lead, but their advantage was gone within two minutes as Danielle Serdachny and Jennifer Gardiner responded in quick succession for Canada.
U.S. starting goaltender Aerin Frankel made 27 saves on 29 shots before suffering an injury in the third period after a collision with Laura Stacey. With Stacey penalized for charging, the Americans had a 5-on-3 power play and capitalized through Taylor Heise.
Team USA held a 3-2 lead for nearly nine minutes during the third period, but Sarah Fillier tied the game with 5:48 left to set up overtime.
Gwyneth Philips made 17 saves on 18 shots in relief of Frankel, while Ann-Renee Desbiens made 26 saves on 30 shots for Canada.
Janecke on her winning goal
Tessa Janecke spoke with TSN moments after scoring the winning goal in overtime.
On what she saw on the game-winning goal: “I saw a turnover and went to the net, hoping to put it in. That was a great pass by (Taylor) Heise, so that was awesome.”
On what she was feeling: “There’s nothing like it. I don’t even know, that’s insane. It was just so much fun.”
On bouncing back after losing to Canada in overtime in the final of the 2024 World Championship: “Just shows how strong we are as a group and how much we can persevere through anything. I wouldn’t want to do it with any other group.”
U.S. makes statement ahead of 2026 Olympics
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This is a huge win for the U.S. with the 2026 Winter Olympics just 10 months away.
Canada has won five gold medals in women’s ice hockey at the Olympics compared to just two for the U.S. The Americans won the gold in 2018 in a shootout but the Canadians responded with a win of their own in 2022.
Today’s victory, coupled with the U.S. also beating Canada in the group stage last weekend, serves as a significant marker as we look ahead to the Milano Cortina Games.
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Hilary Knight, who first played in the Women’s World Championship in 2007, has now won the gold medal at this tournament an incredible 10 times.
Team USA lifts the trophy as golden confetti rains down from the ceiling and Queen’s “We Are the Champions” rings out over the arena’s speakers.
