Both teams topped their group with two victories, although the Czechs had proved more dominant with eight goals scored and one conceded to the seven for and four against registered by Sweden.

It was Czech Republic who drew first blood towards the end of the first period at the Kajaani Ice Hockey Halls, with Adela Sapovalivova grabbing an unassisted goal.

They held their lead until just less than 10 minutes of regulation time was remaining before Sweden drew level at 1-1 when Olivia Sohrner struck, assisted by Maja Ålenius and Mira Hallin.

With no goals in overtime, the final went to a shootout.

Goaltenders Michaela Hesova of Czech Republic and Felicia Frank of Sweden were on top form, with it remaining scoreless after three penalties apiece.

Zikmunda Mazancova did fire past Frank to put Czech Republic into the lead, and they held on to take gold, with Stina Andersson missing the target with Sweden's fifth and final penalty.

Hosts Finland earned the bronze medal with a comfortable 5-1 win against Switzerland yesterday, with Slovakia placing fifth courtesy of a 3-0 victory over Hungary.

Ice hockey matches have been held in Kajaani, which is approximately 35 kilometres west of the main Winter EYOF host resort of Vuokatti.

The boys' tournament was held in December, and won by Finland.

However, the other two medallists - Belarus and Russia - were banned from the girls' tournament due to the European Olympic Committees' sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine.