For the first time in 92 years, the U.S. men’s ice hockey team has captured gold at the IIHF World Championship, defeating Switzerland 1-0 in a dramatic overtime finish. Buffalo Sabres star Tage Thompson sealed the victory with a golden goal just 2:02 into sudden-death overtime, lifting Team USA to its first world title since 1933.
The final, held in Stockholm, was a defensive battle between two elite goaltenders: Switzerland’s Leonardo Genoni, who entered the game with a stellar 0.99 goals-against average, and Boston Bruins’ Jeremy Swayman, who remained unbeaten throughout the tournament. Both goalies held firm through regulation, taking a scoreless draw into overtime despite a 39-24 shot advantage for the Americans.
USA wins the men’s world hockey championship for the first time in 92 years.
The Golden Age is upon us!pic.twitter.com/4NWzEtaKL5
— Brick Suit (@Brick_Suit) May 26, 2025
Thompson, who notched 44 goals in the 2024–25 NHL season, broke the deadlock in the extra frame. Assisted by Logan Cooley (Utah Mammoth) and Brady Skjei (Nashville Predators), Thompson skated into open ice and fired past Genoni, ending Switzerland’s hopes and sending the American bench into a frenzy. His goal not only secured the gold but added weight to his case for a spot on the 2026 U.S. Olympic team in Milan-Cortina.
Tribute to Johnny Gaudreau
The victory was also emotionally charged, as Team USA honored Johnny Gaudreau, the Columbus Blue Jackets forward tragically killed last summer alongside his brother in a bicycle accident. Throughout the tournament, Gaudreau’s jersey hung in the dressing room. In a poignant gesture, the team draped his U.S. sweater over the championship trophy during the post-game celebrations.
USA wins the men’s world hockey championship for the first time in 92 years.
The Golden Age is upon us!pic.twitter.com/4NWzEtaKL5
— Brick Suit (@Brick_Suit) May 26, 2025
Gaudreau holds the record for most points and assists by an American player in World Championship history, and his memory was deeply felt in this long-awaited triumph.
A Historic Win
While the United States has won Olympic golds that were also counted as world championships in 1960 and 1980, this is their first standalone World Championship gold since 1933. The win adds to Team USA’s growing momentum ahead of upcoming international competitions, including the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Switzerland, still in search of its first world title, was denied by the U.S. for the 18th time in 27 meetings, despite an impressive run and Genoni’s shutout streak of over 241 minutes prior to overtime.
The U.S. now stands atop the world, gold medal in hand, with a historic win dedicated to a fallen teammate and a new era of hockey heroes.
