If you’re a fan of American sports, you know we love a good underdog story—and this one’s a doozy.

After nearly a century of heartbreak, close calls, and "maybe next years," Team USA has finally done it: they’ve captured gold at the 2025 IIHF Men’s World Championship, ending a jaw-dropping 92-year drought.

So how did this mix of rising stars, battle-tested veterans, and one ice-cold goaltender pull off the unthinkable?

Grab your lucky jersey, pour something celebratory, and relive every pulse-pounding moment of this epic run.



Under head coach Ryan Warsofsky, Team USA entered the gold medal game with an 8-1 record—their only blemish a 3-0 shutout by Switzerland in the prelims. But that stumble? It didn’t faze them.

The Americans stormed through the tournament like an offensive tidal wave, scoring five or more goals in every game but one.

Frank Nazar (6-6—12), Logan Cooley (4-7—11), Conor Garland (5-5—10), Clayton Keller (3-7—10), and Shane Pinto (2-8—10) each racked up double-digit points—something no other team could match.

Even more impressive? Ten or more Americans registered points in seven of their eight wins, showcasing elite depth and chemistry.

And then there was Jeremy Swayman. The Boston Bruins netminder was a fortress in goal: a perfect 6-0 record, 1.98 goals-against average, and a .905 save percentage—just one win shy of the US single-tournament record.


For years, the semifinals haunted Team USA. Twelve straight losses in that round. But this year? They exorcised the ghosts in style—crushing Sweden 6-2.

Shane Pinto led the charge with a goal and two assists, and Swayman turned aside 27 shots to book their ticket to the final.

Their opponent? Switzerland—a team that dismantled Denmark 7-0 in their own semifinal and was hungry for its first-ever gold after back-to-back final appearances.



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From puck drop, it was clear: this was going to be a war of attrition. Both teams came out flying, trading big hits and scoring chances, but neither could break through. Swayman and Switzerland’s Leonardo Genoni turned the game into a goaltending clinic.

The first period ended 0–0 with 11 shots apiece. The second? Even tenser. Garland was denied on a penalty shot.

Genoni was flawless. Swayman was stoic. The third period brought more of the same: relentless pressure, breathtaking saves, and mounting desperation.

Regulation ended scoreless. The gold would be decided in overtime.

If playoff hockey is where legends are made, then welcome your newest hero: Tage Thompson.



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Just over two minutes into 3-on-3 OT, Logan Cooley and Brady Skjei set up Thompson, who ripped a shot past Genoni for the golden goal.

The bench exploded. Helmets flew. Gloves rained down. For the first time since 1933, the United States was world champion.

Final Stats and Standouts​

• Final Score: USA 1, Switzerland 0 (OT)
• Shots on Goal: USA 40, Switzerland 25
• Saves: Genoni 39, Swayman 25
• Penalty Minutes: 4 each

Players of the Game:

• Switzerland: Leonardo Genoni (named tournament MVP)
• USA: Tage Thompson (overtime hero)

As the American players lifted the trophy, they held up Johnny Gaudreau’s jersey—a moving tribute to their teammate, present in spirit.

The win wasn’t just about one game; it was about generations of struggle, near-misses, and unwavering belief.

This gold medal isn’t just a win—it’s a watershed moment. It puts the US firmly in the conversation among the world’s hockey elite and will inspire future generations of players, coaches, and fans.

Because sometimes, the wait makes the victory even sweeter.

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Were you watching live? Do you remember hearing stories about the 1933 title—or was this your first taste of gold? What does this win mean to you? Sound off in the comments and celebrate this historic moment with us!