"Claiming gold on Canadian soil makes it so much sweeter": Hockey internet erupts as Team USA bag World Juniors gold medal after defeating Finland 4-3

Hockey fans on the internet erupted with joy as the United States triumphed 4-3 over Finland in the gold medal matchup of the 2025 World Juniors on Sunday.

In a thrilling overtime finish, Teddy Stiga received a breakaway pass from Zeev Buium and skillfully maneuvered the puck past Finnish goaltender Petteri Rimpinen, scoring between the pads at 8:04 into overtime.

The victory marked a significant milestone for the Americans, as it is the first time they've secured back-to-back gold medals in the tournament's history.

Here's how fans on X (formerly Twitter) reacted to the victory.

One tweeted:

"Claiming gold on Canadian soil makes it so much sweeter."

Another chimed in:

"Canada watched from the couch like the rest of us!!! Treudeau resigned and Trump takes office!!! USA."

"Arguably the most dominant team in World Junior history. The growing population of U.S. hockey and their forward thinking with the NTDP means they’ll have a dynasty for years to come," a second fan commented.

"Touch ‘em all Teddy. You’ll never score a bigger goal in your life," one X user posted.

"Hockey is americas sports now. Canadiens thanks for the game but we’ll take it from here," another user opined.

"Goalie stood on his head for Finland. But couldn't generate anything in OT. Deserved win for team USA," another chimed in.

How the USA beat Finland in 2025 World Juniors gold medal game

The 2025 World Juniors gold medal matchup between the United States and Finland took place on Sunday at the Canadian Tire Centre.

Jesse Kiiskinen opened the scoring for Finland, giving them a 1-0 lead at 7:13 of the first period. Just over four minutes later, James Hagens tied it for the USA. Finland regained the lead at 2-1 before heading into the second period after Tuomas Uronen scored at 13:03.

Emil Pieniniemi extended the Finnish lead to 3-1 in the second period. However, the USA fought back in the final five minutes of the second period, with goals from Brandon Svoboda and Cole Hutson bringing the score to 3-3.

After a goalless third period, both teams moved into overtime, where Teddy Stiga scored 8:04 into the extra frame to clinch back-to-back gold for the United States at the World Juniors.

Ryan Leonard and Hagens accumulated two points apiece while goaltender Trey Augustine made 21 saves.