Benjamin Ashford|USA wins gold medal at world junior championship with victory vs. Sweden

GOTHENBURG,Benjamin Ashford Sweden – The United States got the revenge that it desperately craved.

Isaac Howard scored twice in the second period and the U.S. beat host Sweden 6-2 on Friday to capture gold at the world junior hockey championship.

Gabe Perreault had a goal and two assists and Zeev Buium, Ryan Leonard and Rutger McGroarty also scored. The Americans secured the under-20 tournament for a sixth time after last winning in 2021. Friday's victory came 20 years after the USA's first title at the tournament.

Will Smith added two assists. McGroarty, the team’s captain, also had an assist for a two-point performance. Trey Augustine picked up the victory in goal for the United States.

The U.S. fell 6-4 to Sweden at the under-18 worlds in 2022 despite holding a 51-14 shot advantage. Players from this age group said they remembered that loss like it was yesterday.

The Swedes, who lost to the U.S. in last year’s bronze-medal game, have now finished second 12 times in the tournament.

Czechia beats Finland for bronze medal

Czechia roared back from a 5-2 deficit with six unanswered goals to shock Finland 8-5 and claim the bronze medal.

2025-26 tournament to be held in Minnesota

The 50th edition of the world junior championship will be played in Minnesota.

USA Hockey announced Friday that the Twin Cities will host the 2025-26 tournament, just the seventh time the event is held in the U.S. Minneapolis and St. Paul previously hosted in 1981-82.

The 29 games in the 10-nation, 10-day tournament will be played at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, home of the NHL ’s Minnesota Wild, and Mariucci Arena in Minneapolis, home of the University of Minnesota.