United States ekes outwin over Canada, clinches Group A at women’s hockey worlds [Video]

Defenders Lee Stecklein and Megan Keller scored for the United States in a 2-1 win over Canada at the women’s world hockey championship Sunday in Ceske Budejovic, Czech Republic.

The U.S. (3-0) secured first in Pool A with a game remaining against Switzerland on Tuesday at 1 p.m. ET.

Canada (2-1) concludes Pool A against the Czechs (1-2) on Monday at 1 p.m.

Laura Stacey scored Canada’s lone goal.

American goalie Aerin Frankel stopped 18 shots for the win. Canada’s Ann-Renee Desbiens made 26 saves in the loss.

The tournament’s top five seeds in Pool A and the top three in Pool B advance to Thursday’s quarterfinals.

The U.S. will meet the third seed in Pool B. If Canada prevails over the Czechs, the defending champions would face Pool B’s second seed.

Finland (1-2) held down third in Pool A after a win over the Czechs and the Swiss were 0-2.

Sweden (3-0) secured first in …