The World Women’s Hockey Championship has ended and although nothing truly spectacular seemed to happen, we witnessed the extraordinary.

Team Canada has now won an unprecedented eight championships in a row. They have met the United States in every World Championship game and have yet to lose. An amazing feat to say the least considering the two teams are so evenly matched and stand alone as powerhouses in the sport.

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada set an attendance record for the event as the sold out Metro Centre watched Team Canada blank the United States 2 – 0 to take home the gold medal. It was everything the hometown fans could have hoped for … with the exception of one small blemish. Canada lost to the American team 3 – 1 just a few days earlier to spoil their unbeaten record at the tournament.

The Canadian team didn’t seem to play their usually dominating, smooth skating style throughout the games, but they managed to get the job done in the end. The final wasn’t without controversy. The US team missed out on a goal when the referee and goal judge, both with the International Ice Hockey Federation, ruled the puck went off the cross bar when it had actually entered the goal and bounced off the rear net support. Perhaps the IIHF should consider instant replay for the 2005 tourney in Sweden.

Women’s hockey, often overlooked, is fast, physical and skilled. The game is played with heart and determination and you only have to look at the rivalry that has developed between the Canadian and the US teams to see that these girls mean business.