Brianne Jenner, right, scored both of Canada's goals in their 2-1 win against the US in the IIHF Women's World Championship final ©Getty Images

Olympic gold medallists Canada successfully defended their title at the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Women's World Championship in Denmark, with Brianne Jenner scoring both goals in the second period in a 2-1 final win over the United States.

The two North American nations have contested the final of every edition of the IIHF Women's World Championship except in 2019, when the US beat Finland in a shootout.

Having lost 3-2 to Canada in overtime at last year's tournament and been beaten by the same scoreline in regulation time in the final at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, the US were seeking a measure of revenge at Herning's KVIK Hockey Arena.

A cagey first period finished goalless, but after only one goal in Canada's first six matches at the World Championship, three-time Olympic medallist Jenner delivered when it mattered most.

A quickfire double midway through the second period ultimately proved decisive, firstly firing home a low shot in the angle and then rifling an effort high into Nicole Hensley's net.

Canada dominated the second period and appeared in control, but a power play for the US provided a route back into the final with just 21 seconds remaining, Abby Roque on target to reduce the arrears to 2-1.

The US applied pressure in the third period, but some sensational goalkeeping from Ann-Renée Desbiens including three saves on a power play helped Canada to hold on to win their third successive major tournament.

The Czech Republic beat Switzerland 4-2 to earn their first podium finish at the IIHF Women's World Championship ©Getty Images
The Czech Republic beat Switzerland 4-2 to earn their first podium finish at the IIHF Women's World Championship ©Getty Images

Her team had to settle for silver, but Taylor Heise of the US was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player after seven goals and 11 assists.

Earlier in the day, the Czech Republic won their first medal at a Women's World Championship by beating an injury-hit Swiss team 4-2 in Gerning.

Natálie Mlýnková netted twice for the Czechs, including the opener and the goal that put them 4-1 to the good.

Daniela Pejšová and Vendula Přibylová were also on the scoresheet.

Alina Marti briefly levelled for Switzerland in the first period, with Nicole Vallario grabbing a consolation in the third.

The fifth-place match was held at Scanel Hockey Arena in Frederikshavn, with Japan taking on Olympic bronze medallists Finland.

The teams played out a goalless draw which sent the game to a shootout, in which Haruka Toko and Remi Koyama scored to clinch a 2-1 win for Japan and their best ever finish at the World Championship.

For the Finns, sixth place represented their worst performance at the IIHF Women's World Championship to date.