For the first time in the history of the world junior hockey championship, Team USA has won back-to-back championships. The team took home the title in Ottawa, Canada against Finland. Team USA was outplayed in the first period and was trailing 3-1 early in the second period, but USA took advantage of a fluke goal that deflected off of a Finnish player and a goal by Cole Hutson that tied the game before the second intermission. At 8:04 of overtime, Teddy Stiga scored a breakaway goal, leading team USA to a 4-3 victory.
David Carle, head coach of the U.S. National Junior team, spoke of their success prior to the final game against Finland, “I’m proud of our guys…We played an excellent Czech team and it was a very difficult game.” Carle said. The USA beat Czechia 4-1 in the semifinals in order to face Finland for the gold medal. Carle said, “We continue to grow as a group and we’ll get set to face another great team in Finland.”
Danny Nelson was one of 10 returning players who won gold at last year’s tournament. “It’s just unbelievable and such a great feeling to win with all of these guys.” Nelson said, “Obviously we had this goal coming into it and when you accomplish your goal, it feels amazing to see all of that hard work come to fruition.” Nelson also won the gold medal at the 2023 IIHR Under-18 Men’s World Championship and attended the 2023 World Junior Summer Showcase. Nelson said, “It speaks to the resilience of our group. We were down, but never out. We knew in that locker room that if we kept pounding, it would eventually pay off. We stuck to our game plan and it worked out for us.”
Teddy Stiga, who tied the game at 8:04, reflected on what was happening in his head during the game. “I kind of lost (the pass) and had no idea where the puck was, but luckily it hit my stick and I recovered it.” Stiga said. Stiga had charged in on a breakaway, scoring against Finnish goaltender, Petteri Rimpinen, in order to tie the game. “I came in, tried to get a good shot, and I found a way,” Stiga said. USA outshot Finland 40-24, including a 6-2 margin in overtime. Stiga’s game-winning goal was his first of the tournament. “I kind of saw (their defenseman) sleeping, so I tried to skate as fast as I could and beat the defender.” Stiga said. Throughout the game, Stiga was constantly aware of his surroundings, and found the lucky opening to tie the game. “(Zeev) Buium made a really good saucer pass and sprung me on a breakaway. I didn’t really try to think too much. I just tried to open (Rimpinen) up and get a good shot and luckily it went in.” Stiga said, “This is something special that I’ll never forget…the team we had and the way we were able to do it, there’s no better feeling.”
