Canada and U.S. ratchet up their cross

UTICA, N.Y. (AP) — Even with the sting of disappointment evident on her face, United States defenseman Caroline Harvey couldn’t help but acknowledge being part of something special. And riveting.

“I was just on the edge of my seat myself and excited for what was to come,” the 21-year-old said, detailing the relentless intensity put on display in a 6-5 overtime loss to Canada in the women’s world hockey championship gold medal game on Sunday. “The end was devastating. But I was excited to be out there and a part of it.”

Unnerving as it was for Canada coach Troy Ryan to deal with the momentum swings of an outing that featured three lead changes and neither team holding more than a one-goal edge, he enjoyed a brief moment of clarity at one point by telling himself: “I’d love to be a fan sitting up there having a beer watching this one.”