Stockholm, Sweden – May 25, 2025 – For the first time in 92 years, Team USA has claimed the gold medal at the IIHF Men’s World Championship, defeating Switzerland 1-0 in a nail-biting overtime showdown. The victory, sealed by Buffalo Sabres star Tage Thompson’s wrist shot just 2:02 into overtime, marks a monumental achievement for USA Hockey, ending a drought that dates back to their only previous win in 1933. This triumph not only showcases the rising talent within American hockey but also serves as a heartfelt tribute to the late Johnny Gaudreau, whose memory was honored during the celebrations.
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A Hard-Fought Battle on the Ice
The championship game, held at the Globe Arena in Stockholm, Sweden, was a defensive masterclass from both sides. Team USA goaltender Jeremy Swayman delivered a shutout performance, stopping all 25 shots from a determined Swiss team. The Americans fired 40 shots on Swiss goaltender Leonardo Genoni, who kept his team in the game with a stellar performance until Thompson’s game-winner. Logan Cooley and Brady Skjei provided the assists on the golden goal, capping off a tournament that saw the U.S. dominate Group B in Herning, Denmark, against tough opponents like host Denmark, Czechia, and Switzerland.
The victory was especially significant given the historical context. As noted by USA Hockey, the U.S. had earned 13 podium finishes in the tournament’s history prior to 2024, but their last gold came in 1933. The Americans were also awarded the title in 1960 when the Olympic tournament doubled as the World Championship, but a standalone win had eluded them for nearly a century—until now.
Tage Thompson: The Overtime Hero
Tage Thompson emerged as the hero of the night, a fitting role for the Arizona-born forward who has been a standout for the Buffalo Sabres in the NHL. His overtime goal—a precise wrist shot from the top of the right circle—sent American fans into a frenzy and etched his name into USA Hockey lore. Thompson’s performance throughout the tournament was exceptional, with his earlier hat trick against Norway on May 14 (a 6-5 overtime win) showcasing his ability to deliver in clutch moments. “It’s a dream come true,” Thompson said post-game, as reported by ESPN. “To win gold for my country after so long—it’s something I’ll never forget.”
Thompson’s heroics were celebrated across social media, with fans like @marlbororedddss on X posting, “Thank you Tage Thompson,” accompanied by a humorous image of people fainting in excitement. The sentiment was echoed by many, as Thompson’s goal not only secured the championship but also highlighted the growing influence of American-born players in international hockey.
A Touching Tribute to Johnny Gaudreau
The victory was bittersweet for Team USA, as the players honored the memory of Johnny Gaudreau, a beloved figure in the hockey community who tragically passed away in August 2024 alongside his brother Matthew. Gaudreau, a former star for the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets, had represented the U.S. at various international tournaments, including the 2013 World Juniors Championship, where he helped secure gold with seven goals. His No. 13 jersey was a constant presence in the Team USA locker room throughout the tournament, and during the trophy presentation, the players brought his jersey onto the ice, placing it on the championship trophy.
The tribute, captured in posts by @TSN_Sports and @spittinchiclets, moved fans and players alike. “Johnny would be so proud of this team,” wrote Gaudreau’s wife, Meredith, on Instagram, echoing the sentiments of many in the hockey world. The gesture was particularly poignant given Gaudreau’s legacy with USA Hockey and the emotional weight of his loss. As @usahockey posted on X, “13 and 21 with us every step of the way,” referring to the jersey numbers of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.
A Milestone for USA Hockey
This victory underscores the growth of hockey in the United States, a nation that has often lived in the shadow of powerhouses like Canada, Russia, and Sweden in international play. Canada, for instance, has won 53 medals overall, including 28 golds, while the Soviet Union captured a medal in all 34 tournaments they entered from 1954 to 1991, according to Wikipedia. The U.S., however, has steadily built a competitive program, with recent successes including back-to-back gold medals at the 2024 and 2025 World Juniors Championships.
The 2025 roster featured several players with Arizona ties, highlighting the expansion of hockey’s footprint in non-traditional markets. As noted by X user @kendallhjay, players like Tage Thompson (Arizona-born), Josh Doan (Arizona-born), Clayton Keller, Logan Cooley, Michael Kesselring, Conor Garland (all former Arizona Coyotes), and Joey Daccord (ASU alum) represented the state’s growing influence. Clayton Keller, the team captain, contributed a goal and two assists in the earlier win over Norway, while Cooley’s assist on the championship-winning goal was a testament to the young talent on the roster.
Social Media Erupts in Celebration
The win sparked a wave of reactions on X, with fans and analysts alike celebrating the historic achievement.
@BR_OpenIce’s original post, which included a graphic of Team USA players and the text “FIRST MEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SINCE 1933,” garnered significant attention, with replies ranging from patriotic chants to humorous jabs. @FortKnoxCrypto wrote, “USA! USA! Suck it, rest of the world!” while
@sportspotato97 quipped, “Why do I hear Free Bird all of a sudden,” a nod to the song’s association with American pride.
Canadian fans, however, were quick to remind Americans of their victory in the 4 Nations Face-Off earlier in 2025, where Canada defeated the U.S. 3-2 in overtime.
@thechek182 offered a gracious “Congrats Team USA from your neighbor to the North!!! ” reflecting the mutual respect between the two hockey nations despite their rivalry.
What’s Next for Team USA?
This victory sets a new benchmark for USA Hockey as they look to build on their success in future tournaments. The 2025 IIHF Men’s World Championship, co-hosted by Denmark and Sweden, featured a competitive field, with Sweden securing bronze after a 6-2 win over Denmark. For the U.S., the win is a stepping stone toward establishing themselves as a consistent force in international hockey, especially with the 2026 Winter Olympics on the horizon, where NHL players are expected to return for the first time since 2014.
As Team USA basks in the glow of their historic triumph, the hockey world is already buzzing with anticipation for what’s next. Will this victory mark the beginning of a new era for American hockey, or will traditional powers reclaim their dominance? One thing is certain: with talents like Tage Thompson leading the charge and the spirit of Johnny Gaudreau inspiring the team, USA Hockey has firmly planted its flag on the global stage.
Additional Notes:
- The IIHF Men’s World Championship is an annual tournament featuring 16 teams in the championship group, often including NHL players not in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
- Since the introduction of playoff rounds in 1992, the U.S. had reached the final multiple times but had not secured gold until 2025.
- Sweden’s bronze medal win marked their second consecutive third-place finish, while Denmark’s fourth-place result was their best ever in the tournament.