For the first time since 1933, the U.S. men’s ice hockey team has clinched gold at the IIHF World Championship, edging out Switzerland 1-0 in a dramatic overtime showdown in Stockholm. Tage Thompson of the Buffalo Sabres delivered the golden goal just two minutes into sudden-death, sealing an emotional and historic win.
The final was a goaltending masterclass, with Switzerland’s Leonardo Genoni and the U.S.’s Jeremy Swayman (Boston Bruins) battling fiercely through regulation. Despite Team USA outshooting their opponents 39-24, neither side could score until overtime.
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Thompson, coming off a 44-goal NHL season, broke through with a decisive shot assisted by Logan Cooley and Brady Skjei. The goal not only secured the title but also strengthened Thompson’s prospects for Olympic selection in 2026.
The win carried deep emotional significance as well. Team USA paid tribute to late teammate Johnny Gaudreau, who died last summer, by placing his jersey in the locker room throughout the tournament and draping it over the trophy in a heartfelt post-game moment.
