The US team with a show of force. © APA/afp / JONATHAN NACKSTRAND

Premiere: The USA are in the World Cup final

The USA has reached the final of an ice hockey world championship for the first time in modern times.

24 May 2025

From: apa

The US team defeated host Sweden 6-2 (2-0,2, 0,2-2, 20.20-18.20) in the first semifinal in Stockholm on Saturday and has a chance to win its third World Cup title. Their opponent in the final on Sunday (XNUMX:XNUMX p.m.) will be determined in the evening match (XNUMX:XNUMX p.m.) between Austria's conquerors Switzerland and the sensational Denmark team.

The USA has won World Championship gold twice, in 1933 and 1960, when the Olympic tournament also served as the World Championship and was decided in a championship format. Since then, World Championship bronze has been the pinnacle of success. In Stockholm, team captain Ryan Warsofsky's team will therefore achieve its best US result in 65 years.

US team with demonstration of force

And richly deserved it. The USA dominated the favored host team in every respect for two periods, taking a well-deserved lead through Brady Skjei (7th) and Cutter Gauthier (18th). The US boys, all NHL pros, also had control of the game in the middle period, pulling further ahead through Conor Garland (32nd) and Mikey Eyssimont (38th).

The USA outclassed Sweden. © ANSA / PONTUS LUNDAHL

With a double strike within 41 seconds, the Swedes came back into the game in the final period. William Nylander (47th minute) and Elias Lindholm (48th minute) reduced the deficit to 2-4, but the Americans only wavered briefly. Jackson Lacombe (52nd minute) restored a three-goal lead, which was never threatened again. Shane Pinto sealed the final score into an empty net (56th minute).