Two Future Rangers Make History in Back-to-Back Gold Medals for Team USA

OTTAWA, Canada — For the first time in history, Team USA has won back-to-back gold medals in the World Junior Hockey Championship.

The U.S. went undefeated last year in winning gold. This year, they lost 4-3 in overtime to Finland in the preliminary round. But they turned around that score in the title game and will enter 2026's tournament in Minnesota as back-to-back champions.

Though, it took a major rally against Finland to make it happen on Sunday at the Canadian Tire Centre. The U.S. were outplayed in the first period and trailed 3-1 early in the second period.

However, the U.S. took advantage of a Brandon Svoboda fluke goal that deflected off a Finnish player and a skilled goal off the rush by Cole Hutson to tie the game before the second intermission.

Two future New York Rangers were on the roster for the USA. Gabe Perreault — who had a stellar showing throughout the tournament and was named Player of the Game on more than one occasion — was named to the Tournament's All-Star Team.

Drew Fortescue was drafted by the Rangers in 2023 and also received his gold medal accordingly. Fortescue was one of the time-on-ice leaders in the gold medal game, playing 25:40.

While the Rangers players were admirable throughout their play, the real hero of the night was Teddy Stiga.

He scored on an overtime breakaway for a 4-3 victory and a second consecutive gold medal at the under-20 tournament.

Also worthy of note was U.S. Goaltender Trey Augustine. He made 20 saves on 23 shots.

This marks the sixth gold medal for the United States National Junior Team in the IIHF World Junior Championship. The red, white and blue have now won gold in 2004, 2010, 2013, 2017, 2021 and now — most recently — in 2024.