USA's Abby Roque: Canada has 'lots of players who dive around'

Team USA forward Abby Roque wasn't too happy with the Canadians following her side's 2-1 loss in the final of the Women's World Hockey Championship in Denmark on Sunday.

"I think they have lots of players who dive around," Roque told the media postgame, according to The Canadian Press' Donna Spencer. "I think it's ridiculous. It's not the way to play hockey. We play a tough, disciplined game. That's how we are.

"We want to play physical like hockey should be and they've got a lot of players who jump into the boards."

Both teams scored on the power play once during the gold-medal match. Brianne Jenner netted the eventual game-winner on the man advantage for Canada, while Roque potted Team USA's only goal of the game off a slick feed from Amanda Kessel.

The Canadians were sent to the power play four times, while the U.S. received three opportunities during the contest.

At the tournament overall, the Americans cashed in on 10 of their 29 power-play chances and the Canadians converted on seven of their 32 opportunities.

Roque, 24, led all skaters at the Worlds with four power-play tallies in seven games.

Team Canada has won three gold medals in just over 12 months after also taking down the U.S. at the 2021 Women's World Hockey Championship and the 2022 Olympics.