USA's WJC-winning head coach David Carle delivers 1-word summary of the team's successful World Juniors campaign

Team USA defeated Finland 4-3 in overtime on Sunday at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa. This win marked the first time the USA has won back-to-back gold medals in the tournament’s history. Teddy Stiga, who began the tournament as a scratch, scored the overtime goal to secure the championship.

USA head coach David Carle described his team’s 2025 World Junior Championship win with one word: “Victory.”

Carle praised his team’s determination and teamwork, emphasizing their commitment to prioritizing the team over personal achievements.

“Oh, boy. Um, a lot. Just their determination, (their) commitment to each other, to our team, our country. To just put whatever they wanted to accomplish personally aside for the better of the team. You need that type of buy-in and that commitment level to win championships, and so I'm really proud of them, that they were able to do that. And they'll walk together forever now.”

The game was close, with USA’s Ryan Leonard and Cole Hutson each earning two points. Leonard was named tournament MVP for his strong offense and physical play. Finland’s Emil Hemming recorded two assists, and goaltender Petteri Rimpinen made 36 saves.

Finland captain Aron Kiviharju praised his teammates, calling them "great players and even good persons." He said their silver medal meant more than a missed opportunity.

"I'm really proud of everybody and even though people say the silver is a lost medal, I think in a couple of hours when we'll go and have a dinner together, we'll realize this is something much more than a lost medal," Kiviharju said (via The Athletic).

Despite Finland’s efforts, Stiga’s overtime goal ended the game and gave the US their historic victory.

Team USA relied on top players like Zeev Buium and Drew Fortescue, who played the most minutes.

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Ryan Leonard's performance was crucial to Team USA’s success in the championship

Ryan Leonard, MVP of the 2025 World Junior Championship, led Team US to a 4-3 overtime win against Finland. He assisted on two key goals, including Cole Hutson’s game-tying goal late in the second period. Leonard praised his team’s teamwork, saying:

“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 the US stayed patient and focused to secure their second consecutive gold medal. Leonard finished the tournament with five goals and five assists, making him the third-leading scorer.