USA Claims First Back-to-Back World Junior Titles with Stiga's OT Goal Against Finland

Jan 6, 2025, 03:32 AM

On Sunday, the United States men's hockey team secured a historic victory at the 2025 World Junior Championship in Ottawa by defeating Finland 4-3 in overtime to win back-to-back gold medals for the first time ever. Led by coach David Carle, the U.S. overcame a 3-1 deficit with goals from Brandon Svoboda and Cole Hutson tying the game late in the second period. Teddy Stiga scored the golden goal in overtime to clinch the title. Ten returning players and Carle were also part of the previous year's championship team. The victory marks the seventh World Junior title for Team USA, who will aim for a three-peat in Minnesota in 2026.