Stockholm, May 26, 2025 — In a thrilling and emotional finale, the U.S. men’s ice hockey team won their first IIHF World Championship gold medal in 92 years by defeating Switzerland 1-0 in sudden-death overtime. The historic victory ended a decades-long drought since their last standalone world title in 1933.
Buffalo Sabres star Tage Thompson emerged as the hero, scoring the golden goal just 2 minutes and 2 seconds into overtime to secure the championship. Assisted by Logan Cooley of the Utah Mammoth and Nashville Predators’ Brady Skjei, Thompson’s game-winning shot slipped past Swiss goaltender Leonardo Genoni, breaking the intense deadlock that had defined the match.
The final, held in Stockholm, was a masterclass in goaltending and defense. Both teams’ goalies put on remarkable performances — Genoni with a remarkable 0.99 goals-against average entering the final, and Boston Bruins’ Jeremy Swayman, who remained unbeaten throughout the tournament. Despite the Americans’ dominance in shots on goal (39-24), neither side could break through regulation time.
The victory was deeply poignant for Team USA, as the squad paid tribute to the late Johnny Gaudreau, the beloved Columbus Blue Jackets forward who tragically passed away in a bicycle accident last summer along with his brother. Throughout the tournament, Gaudreau’s jersey was prominently displayed in the dressing room, and after the win, his U.S. sweater was draped over the championship trophy in a touching homage.
Gaudreau, who holds the record for the most points and assists by an American in World Championship history, was a constant presence in the team’s hearts as they achieved this milestone.
Though the United States has previously won Olympic gold medals in 1960 and 1980—both of which counted as world championships—this is their first standalone IIHF World Championship gold in over nine decades. The win cements Team USA’s position as a rising powerhouse in international ice hockey, building momentum ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.
Switzerland, still chasing their first-ever world title, was denied once again by the U.S. in their 18th loss in 27 meetings between the two nations. Their goalkeeper Genoni, who maintained a shutout streak of over 241 minutes before overtime, was unable to keep the Americans at bay in the end.
This landmark victory represents not only a triumph of skill and determination but also a tribute to teamwork, resilience, and the memory of a fallen teammate, heralding a new era for American ice hockey on the world stage.
