World juniors: U.S. beats Finland 4-3 in OT for 2nd straight gold
The United States secured their second consecutive world junior hockey championship in a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory against Finland. Teddy Stiga, who started the tournament as a healthy scratch, emerged as the hero with the game-winning goal.
The 18-year-old forward reflected on his journey, stating, “Being able to win a gold and in that way, nothing better.” Stiga’s goal at 8:04 of overtime sealed the victory for the U.S. in a comeback from a 3-1 deficit late in the second period.
Stiga, a second-round pick of the Nashville Predators, found his role in the team after initially being on the outside. He emphasized the importance of contributing in any way possible to help the team succeed.
The U.S. team, led by head coach David Carle, showcased resilience and determination throughout the tournament. Cole Hutson, James Hagens, and Brandon Svoboda also made significant contributions to the victory. Hutson notably became the first defenseman to lead the world juniors in scoring.
Tournament MVP Ryan Leonard played a crucial role with two assists, while goaltender Trey Augustine made 20 saves to secure the gold medal for the Americans. The team’s success marked their seventh gold medal win and set the stage for hosting the 2026 tournament in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.
Despite the loss, Finland put up a strong fight, with players like Jesse Kiiskinen, Tuomas Uronen, and Emil Pieniniemi showcasing their talent. Captain Aron Kiviharju expressed pride in his team’s performance, despite falling short of the gold medal.
In other matches, Czechia claimed bronze with a 3-2 shootout victory over Sweden. Canada, on the other hand, finished in fifth place after a disappointing tournament.
The thrilling final between the U.S. and Finland showcased the intensity and passion of junior hockey. Stiga’s overtime heroics will be remembered as a defining moment in the team’s journey to back-to-back championships.
The Canadian Press originally published this report on January 5, 2025. The U.S. team’s historic win will be remembered as a testament to their teamwork and determination.
