Jerry Jackson On Sunday, Team USA ended a 91-year wait for IIHF World Championship gold with a dramatic 1–0 overtime win against Switzerland. Forward Tage Thompson scored the sudden-death goal that secured the historic victory, sparking celebrations across the team and its fans worldwide.
Despite being a leading force in hockey, with many top NHL players, the United States had not won this world title since 1933. This breakthrough victory marks a major moment for American hockey on the international stage.
The final was a tense battle, highlighted by strong goaltending from both teams, keeping the score tied through the full 60 minutes of regulation. In the three-on-three overtime, Thompson found the decisive goal to clinch the championship for the U.S.
Michael McCarron, who also played a key role in the win, called the victory “unreal.” He said, “It’s been so long for the U.S., and I’m proud to wear this jersey again—especially to win gold after all this time.”
The sudden goal surprised many. McCarron admitted, “I didn’t even see the puck go in. I just heard the buzzer and jumped up, hoping it was ours—and thank God it was.”
Drew O’Connor, who was on the bench during the final moments, described the tension, saying, “Sometimes being off the ice is even tougher. When you’re playing, you just focus. But on the bench, you feel every second.”
This victory carries significance beyond the trophy. Since the 1980 Olympic gold at Lake Placid, Team USA has often come close to international titles but had not secured a world championship until now. For the players—none of whom were alive during the last win in 1933—this success is a milestone that signals a promising future for U.S. hockey.
With this long-awaited gold medal, American hockey fans have renewed hope for continued success on the global stage. The team’s breakthrough at the IIHF World Championship shows that the United States is ready to compete at the highest levels once again.