SYDNEY, Nova Scotia ---  Minnesota State women's hockey assistant coach Mackenzie Bruch helped guide the United States Under-18 Women's National Team to a gold medal at the 2026 IIHF Under-18 World Championship Sunday evening with a 2-0 win over Canada.

Bruch, who serves as the team's goaltending coach saw her backstop Bianca Birrittieri stop all 38 shots she faced in the gold medal game en route to being named the games Most Outstanding Player.

Over the six games of the tournament, the United States never trailed or tied after 0-0, becoming the first team in the events history to accomplish the feat. During the event Team USA only yielded two goals, while scoring 56.

The win marked the 10^th gold medal for the Americans at the Under-18 World Championship.

Joining Bruch on team USA was defender Mia Miller (Dundas, Minn.). This past fall, Miller signed a national letter of intent to join the Mavericks in the fall of 2026.