2025 WJC MVP Ryan Leonard makes his feelings known after leading USA to World Juniors gold medal after win over Finland

The 2025 World Junior Championship ended with Team USA defeating Finland 3-2 in overtime to win gold. Captain Ryan Leonard, named the tournament’s MVP, was a key player for the USA's victory.

Leonard recorded two assists in the World Junior Championship finals game. He provided an assist to James Hagens in the first period at 12:04. Following this he provided another helper to Cole Hutson in the second period at 39:31.

After the game, Leonard shared his thoughts on the USA's win, saying:

"It doesn't really feel real, honestly." Leonard said, "Yeah, to be down early in the game and to see the resilience in the team and just so proud of every single one of them. Yeah, it's no better feeling in the world"

Leonard talked about how everyone on the team contributed to their success, no matter their role. This teamwork was clear throughout the tournament and especially in the gold medal game.

"Bottom up, whether you're playing fourth line, not playing, in the stands, or you're out there for 20 plus minutes a night, everyone buys in." Leonard said, "Everyone's just trying to do their role, and we were just trying to get the job done. Everyone bought in from the start and found a way."

Finland took an early lead, but Team USA stayed calm and focused for their second World Juniors win. Responding to which Leonard said, “Dynasty,” with a smile adding, “It’s sick.”

Ryan Leonard talked about Team USA's 2nd-period surge

In the second period at 24:52, Emil Pieniniemi scored for Finland with a clean shot after a defensive mistake. This goal gave Finland a 3-1 lead over the USA.

Ryan Leonard said they knew they could turn the game around.

"We knew we were capable of our game, and it was just only a matter of time before we were getting those chances," he explained.

The USA cut the lead to 3-2 when Brandon Svoboda’s shot deflected off a Finnish defender and into the net. With 28.7 seconds left in the second period, Cole Hutson scored off Ryan Leonard’s pass to tie the game.

"Last 10 minutes of the second, we really tilted the ice. And then the third the park just didn't go in for us. We got a little bit unlucky, but we stayed patient over time, and hell of an effort from ... at the end." Leonard said.

Leonard's performance earned him MVP honors for the tournament. With 5 goals and 5 assists, he was the third-best player in the World Juniors points leaderboard with a rating of 10.