The Canadians, who last won the annual event in 2012, started brightly against the 2013 and 2014 champions, moving the puck quickly and putting their opponents under sustained pressure.

It took them just four minutes to take the lead, with Montana Merante on assist of Jackie Jarrell.

A second came early in the second period courtesy of Brayden Ferguson.

But a decisive third proved far more elusive and, heading into the final stages, United States pulled one back through Laura Veharanta before missing two great chances to draw level.

Not to be denied, Canada finally sealed the game thanks to a third goal scored by Jackie Jarrell.

The bronze medal match was an even closer affair, with a late equaliser by the Czech defending champions taking the game to overtime.

Marina Drici-Corbeil then scored the decisive winner for France.

There was home disappointment but better fortunes for the Czechs in the junior men's final, as they withstood an Italian fight-back to snatch a thrilling 5-4 victory.

Switzerland had earlier beaten Spain 2-1 to seal bronze.

Action in the senior men's and junior women's competitions is due to begin on Monday (June 20).