Jocelyne Larocque has apologised for whipping off her silver medal on the podium following Canada's defeat to the United States in the women's ice hockey final at the Winter Olympics.

A distraught Larocque was criticised after refusing to wear her medal during the ceremony after a dramatic penalty shootout defeat in Pyeongchang on Thursday.

Larocque released a statement through Team Canada on Friday, saying she regrets her actions.

"Please understand this was a moment in time that I truly wish I could take back," said Larocque.

"I take seriously being a role model to young girls and representing our country. My actions did not demonstrate the values our team, myself and my family live and for that I am truly sorry."

Melody Davidson, general manager of Canada's national team programs, said: "She [Larocque] is very remorseful and takes responsibility for her error.

"Emotions run high at the Olympic Games and never more so than in a gold-medal game, but at all times we expect our team to act professionally and demonstrate sound sportsmanship. 

"I would like to congratulate the United States on their victory."