Kraemer scores 4 goals as Canada captures gold at the U18 women’s hockey worlds with a win over Sweden.

Canada saved their most dominant effort for last.

Caitlin Kraemer led the way with four goals as Canada shut out Sweden 10-0 to win its second straight gold medal at the women’s under-18 world ice hockey championship on Sunday in Instersund, Sweden.

Kraemer, 16, of Waterloo, Ont., scored the hat trick in the first period in 6:44, the fastest in tournament history.

His fourth goal in the third period was his tournament-leading 10th, which also set the record for most goals by a Canadian in a single tournament.

This record was previously held by current Canadian women’s ice hockey captain Marie-Philip Poulin.

“This team has been such a big part of my accomplishments that I couldn’t have done it without them,” said Kraemer, who was named to the tournament’s all-star team.

“We wanted to leave the world knowing who we are. I can’t say. You dream about this as a little kid, and to win is amazing.”

SEE | Kraemerleads Canada’s U18 women’s hockey team to gold:

Caitlin Kraemer’s hat trick wins Canada’s under-18 gold against Sweden

Not only did the 16-year-old score three goals in the first period, he also added a fourth later to set Canada’s tournament scoring record.

Two goals from Alexia Aub and Abby Lunney, Piper Grober, Mackenzie Alexander and Charlotte Pieckenhagen also scored for Canada, which was undefeated throughout the tournament and won back-to-back gold for the first time since winning three in a row from 2012-14.

Goalkeeper Hannah Clark’s 21-save effort was the first of her international career.

“We knew what our ultimate goal was,” Clark said. “We knew we had a job to do and we were going to work as hard as we could to get it done.

“Our team has so much heart. I love each and every one of these girls and I know we love each other. You dream [winning gold]because you are small. It’s so special.”

Swedish goalkeeper Felicia Frank gave up five goals in 12 minutes before getting to Ida Henriksson.

Henriksson stopped 26/31 shots in relief for Sweden.

The United States beat Finland 5-0 and took bronze earlier on Sunday.

A 2-1 loss to the United States in the quarterfinals in Sweden on Saturday meant that the Americans would not be playing for gold for the first time in the tournament’s 15-year history.

Alex Law scored an overtime goal for Canada in Finland’s 3-2 semi-final win.

He was among seven veterans on the 2022 team that won gold in the tournament, which was delayed and moved from January in Sweden to June in Madison, Wisa., due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Canada got off to a blistering start on Sunday thanks to Kraemer. After being held scoreless in Saturday’s semifinal for the first time in the tournament, he scored two quick goals.

Kraemer opened the scoring 5:16 into the contest before adding his second 25 seconds later.

Aubin joined in the fun at 9:41 when she deflected Ava Murphy’s shot into the net. Murphy had three assists in the match.

Grober made it 4-0 with a wrist shot on the power play at 10:01.

On 12 minutes, Kraemer completed the hat trick with a two-on-one break, beating Frank into the top corner.

Aubin added the second of the game at 3:54 in the middle frame. After the Swedish substitution, Pieckenhagen sent Aubin to break away and he beat Henriksson with a backhand.

Less than 90 seconds later, Lunney scored off a rebound to make it 7-0.

Alexander added to the lead in the second at 8:29.

Pieckenhagen joined the scoring just 52 seconds into the third period.

Kraemer scored on the power play with 9:17 left in the final frame when she swatted in Emma Venusio’s one-goal rebound.

“We knew they were going to bring it today, but it was great to see them celebrate the little things and be happy for each other,” said 2014 Olympic gold-winning assistant coach Tara Watchorn.

“This group was undoubtedly special. It was great to see them represent their country with pride, class and such great skill.”

Slovakia’s 14-year-old phenom Nela Lopusanova was named tournament MVP after leading all players in scoring with 12 points (nine goals, three assists).