In an exhilarating showdown at Avicii Arena, Team USA clinched the gold medal at the Ice Hockey World Championship, edging out Switzerland 1-0 thanks to a decisive overtime goal from Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson just 2:02 into the extra period. This victory marks an emotional milestone for USA Hockey, as it represents their first championship win in this tournament in an astounding 92 years, with the last victory dating back to 1933.
As players celebrated on the ice, the poignant moment was underscored by a touching tribute to Johnny Gaudreau, a beloved former NHL star and USA Hockey standout who tragically lost his life in a cycling accident last August. In a heartfelt gesture, Team USA held up a No. 13 jersey, honoring Gaudreau’s legacy as they posed for their championship photograph. Coach Ryan Warsofsky echoed this sentiment, passionately reminding his squad, “Johnny was f—— here, watching this one.”
Thompson, who impressed this past NHL season with 44 goals and 72 points for the Sabres, is now making a compelling case for a spot on the U.S. roster for the upcoming 2026 Olympics. After being a reserve during the February Four Nations Face-Off, Thompson’s performance in this tournament showcased his skills alongside a squad of young NHL talents who are either at home or had their playoff runs cut short.
His overtime goal was set up brilliantly by Logan Cooley and Brady Skjei, with Thompson’s shot sailing past Swiss goaltender Leonardo Genoni. Team USA dominated the game, outshooting Switzerland 40-25, with Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman earning a shutout and racking up 25 saves. In a reflection of the team’s resilience, Swayman stated, “We did it, the wait is over,” thanking fans for their support and hinting at an exciting summer ahead.
It’s worth noting that while the Americans were formally recognized as champions in 1960 due to their Olympic victory when the World Championship did not occur, this is their first title earned on the ice in nearly a century. The Swiss team, unfortunately, played without their captain and star center Nico Hischier due to injury, and despite their hard-fought battle, Genoni was named the tournament’s MVP after a standout performance throughout.
In the bronze medal game earlier in the day, Sweden triumphed over Denmark with a dominant 6-2 victory, thanks to two goals from both Mikael Backlund and Marcus Johansson. This event marked back-to-back third-place finishes for Sweden, while Denmark’s fourth-place finish represents their best result in the tournament’s history.
As the tournament wraps up, the story is one of celebration, resilience, and tribute, exemplified by Team USA’s historic win and the enduring memory of those who paved the way for the sport.
