Canada defeats U.S. to remain undefeated at U18 women's hockey worlds

Caitlin Kraemer scored twice as Canada capped the preliminary round of the women's world under-18 hockey championship with a 3-1 win over the United States on Wednesday in Östersund, Sweden.

Emmalee Pais had a goal and an assist for Canada, which finished atop Group A at 3-0.

Charlotte Pieckenhagen contributed two assists.

Goaltender Hannah Clark needed to make just 10 saves for the win.

WATCH l Kraemer powers Canada past U.S. in final preliminary-round game:

Joy Dunne scored for the U.S. which ranked second in Group A at 2-1, followed by Sweden (1-2) and Finland (0-3).

The U.S. didn't register a shot on goal in the third period until Cassandra Hall's unsuccessful penalty shot at 7:18.

Annelies Bergmann made 32 saves in the U.S. net.

Both countries had already secured byes to Saturday's semifinals heading into the game.

In other results Wednesday, Sweden thumped Finland 6-1.

In Pool B, Czechia edged Slovakia 4-3 and Switzerland beat Japan 2-1.

Finland faces Group B winner Czechia and Sweden takes on Slovakia in Thursday's quarterfinals.

Switzerland and Japan, which finished third and fourth respectively in Group B, will meet in a relegation series.

The final is Sunday.