The contest was played Saturday in Harbin, China.

Darwitz' goal with 90 seconds remaining in the second period gave the Americans a 4-1 advantage and was the eventual game-winner. Canada came within 4-3 midway through the third period but couldn't come up with a game-tying goal.

Winning goaltender Jessie Vetter made 21 saves on 24 shots.

Canada failed to score during a 5-on-3 power play for 49 seconds with less than five minutes to play.

"I'm proud of the team, I'm proud of the effort that the players put in," said Canada Coach Peter Smith. "They worked so hard over the course of the year, and it felt like they had the weight of the country on their shoulders."

Team USA had not earned the gold medal since 2005.

Finland captured the bronze medal by beating Switzerland 4-1.