Posted Sunday April 1, 2012.

The U.S. fell to Canada by a 1-0 score on Saturday nite tonight at the Ottawa Civic Centre in a game prior to the 2012 World Championship. The U.S. squad was made up of 20 of the 27 players vying for a spot on the U.S. team, while Canada's team was made up of 20 of the 28 players competing for a spot on the Canadian roster including veterans Caroline Ouellette, Hayley Wickenheiser and Meghan Agosta. Caitlin Cahow was also out of the Team USA lineup for the world championship with a concussion.

"It was a hard-fought battle by both teams," said Katey Stone, head coach for the U.S. Women's National Team. "We had our chances to even things up down the stretch. It's a good place to build from."
The two teams will open the 2012 IIHF Women's World Championship on April 7 at 7 p.m. EDT. Both rosters will be posted on WINIH.com on April 1, 2012.

In a scoreless opening frame, the shots were 10-8 in favor of the U.S. Canada's Laura Fortino scored the lone goal of the game at 17:26 of the second period with a wrist shot to the top corner past Molly Schaus . Marie-Philip Poulin wrestled the puck from the corner and finessed a beautiful pass across to Fortino.

The U.S. will face Finland on April 3 at 7 p.m. in Lake Placid, N.Y., prior to the IIHF Women's World Championship in Burlington, Vt.

See Events for ful schedule of world championship.