Tage Thompson scored the only goal 2:02 into overtime to give the United States a 1-0 victory over Switzerland in the gold-medal game of the 2025 IIHF World Championship on Sunday in Stockholm.
The gold is Team USA’s first in the event since 1933.
The United States had lost 12 straight semifinal games in the tournament before defeating host Sweden 6-2 on Saturday to reach the championship game.
Team USA had captured just five medals — all bronze — since 2000 (2004, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2021).
Thompson’s goal gave the Buffalo Sabres’ center nine points (six goals, three assists) in the tournament.
“It’s a crazy stat,” Thompson told NHL.com about the USA’s first gold medal in 92 years. “It’s something that everyone in that room took to heart. When we got here, we all knew we wanted to be a part of something special, and I think each guy in that room committed, whether you were playing power play, top minutes, or you were in and out of the lineup or not playing at all. Everybody was positive, pulling for each other and after one common goal. That’s why we won.”
Jeremy Swayman of the Boston Bruins made 25 saves for the United States.
“It’s a long time coming for USA Hockey, and to be part of the group that finally did it is surreal,” he said. “I couldn’t be happier, man.”
Said U.S. coach Ryan Warsofsky, from the San Jose Sharks: “I get goosebumps just thinking about it.”
The victory came just three months after the United States lost to Canada 3-2 in overtime in the final of the 4 Nations Face-Off, a tournament that also featured Sweden and Finland.
–Field Level Media
