USA Hockey wins first World Championship in 92 Years, honors late star Johnny Gaudreau

For the first time since 1933 — yes, nineteen thirty-three — the USA Hockey has won the IIHF World Championship.

Tage Thompson scored the golden goal just two minutes into overtime to give the U.S. a 1-0 win over Switzerland in the IIHF World Championship final on Sunday.

His sixth tally of the tournament was a laser from the top of the right circle that finally beat Swiss goaltender Leonardo Genoni and sent the USA Hockey pouring over the boards in celebration.

Tage Thompson Golden Goal for USA Hockey

TAGE. THOMPSON. GOLDEN. GOAL. 🚨🇺🇸

The USA wins #MensWorlds for the first time in 92 YEARS! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/b3VgMKkRt5

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 25, 2025

It was the second world title in history for the U.S., who last won outright in 1933. While the IIHF also credits the Americans with a gold in 1960 for their Olympic win that year, USA Hockey does not recognize that title due to the absence of a formal world championship.

This one leaves no doubt.

A Historic Win for USA Hockey

Jeremy Swayman was rock-solid in net yet again, stopping all 25 shots he faced to finish the tournament with a perfect 7-0 record and a gold medal around his neck. The U.S. outshot Switzerland 40-25 and gradually took control of a scoreless game in the second and third periods before finishing the job in overtime.

After the final whistle, the team gathered for a bittersweet tribute — holding up a Johnny Gaudreau jersey to honor the late star who tragically passed away alongside his brother Matt in a bicycle accident last August.

Johnny Gaudreau, the all-time leading U.S. scorer at the World Championships with 43 points, was dearly missed this year but never forgotten.

After winning 🥇 at Men’s Worlds, it was Zach Werenski that brought out Johnny Gaudreau’s jersey from the dressing room for celebrations and photos. 🥺 #MensWorlds

(🎥: IG/iihfmen) pic.twitter.com/ljso5WDxH9

— BarDown (@BarDown) May 26, 2025

It’s hard to overstate how long this drought has been. In the 92 years since USA Hockey last won a world championship they’ve experienced heartbreak, disappointment, and close calls — including a 3-0 group-stage loss to this same Swiss team earlier in the tournament.

But this time, they flipped the script.

The U.S. team had contributions from nearly everyone, with 21 of 24 skaters recording at least one point in the tournament. Logan Cooley and Frank Nazar led the way with 12 points apiece, and Thompson tied a national record with his third career medal at Worlds, joining Allen Van as the most decorated American player in the event’s history.

Switzerland Comes Up Short Again

It was another gutting finish for Switzerland, which is still searching for its first world title. The Swiss have now lost in all four finals they’ve reached since the playoff format was introduced in 1992.

Sunday’s loss felt particularly cruel. They played a disciplined game, held the Americans scoreless in regulation, and had already beaten them once in the tournament. But in overtime, it took just one clean look for the U.S. to flip history on its head.

Bronze for Sweden

In the bronze medal game earlier Sunday, Sweden rolled past Denmark 6-2. Mikael Backlund and Marcus Johansson both scored twice, and Lucas Raymond and Mika Zibanejad added tallies to lock up Sweden’s second straight third-place finish. For Denmark, fourth place marked the best result in its program’s history.

But the night belonged to Team USA

From loan officers-turned-goalies to gold-medal goals and emotional tributes to fallen teammates, this team delivered a tournament no one will forget. Ninety-two years later, the Americans are finally golden again.

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