2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup: Team USA Claims Gold

The 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup gold medal final between the United States and Sweden delivered the kind of drama worthy of a championship stage. From a goal just ten seconds in to momentum swings fueled by power plays, the matchup showcased relentless pace, highlight-reel moments, and standout performances on both sides. In the end, special teams defined the night as Team USA seized its first gold since 2003, capping off a historic run with resilience, poise, and timely execution.

First Period: USA Strikes Back on Special Teams

The gold medal final between the United States and Sweden opened at a blistering pace, with both teams trading chances and goals in a high-energy first period. Sweden wasted no time getting on the board just ten seconds into the game. Elton Hermansson buried a feed from Bosse Meijer and Alex Elofsson to stun the Americans with an early 1–0 lead.

The response from Team USA was immediate. Just as a Swedish penalty expired, Levi Harper jumped into the rush and snapped home the tying goal at 2:53, assisted by James Salandra. That momentum carried into the Americans’ first power play, where Noah Davidson executed a perfectly drawn-up set play off the faceoff. Jack Hextall and Will McLaughlin combined to set up Davidson, who wired it past the goaltender at 3:57 to give the USA its first lead, 2–1.

Sweden showed resilience midway through the frame, evening the score at 2–2 when Hampus Zirath deflected a point shot through traffic, with Theodor Knights and Nils Bartholdsson credited with the helpers. But the period—and the special teams battle—swung back to the Americans late. On their fourth power play of the frame, Hextall displayed poise and patience, stepping into the slot before ripping the go-ahead marker at 17:12. Brandon Zielinski and Nikita Klepov picked up assists on the play, restoring the USA lead at 3–2.

By the first intermission, the story was clear: Sweden’s penalty troubles handed the USA repeated chances, and the American power play answered with authority. Two power-play goals and another strike seconds after a man advantage highlighted a dominant special-teams performance, giving the United States a one-goal edge after 20 minutes of play.

Second Period: Momentum Swings

Team USA wasted no time extending its lead early in the second. Just 45 seconds into the frame, Nikita Klepov struck on the power play, finishing a slick passing sequence from Noah Davidson and Jack Hextall. The quick strike pushed the Americans ahead 4–2 and showcased once again how lethal their special teams had been throughout the tournament.

For much of the period, the U.S. dictated play, winning puck battles and forcing Sweden to chase. The Swedes struggled to generate rhythm at even strength after spending so much time killing penalties. Frustration grew on their bench as the Americans clogged lanes and pressed their forecheck.

Momentum shifted dramatically in the closing minutes when a pair of tripping calls against Team USA gave Sweden a lengthy five-on-three advantage. Sweden capitalized on the opportunity. At 17:58, Elton Hermansson buried a rebound off feeds from Oscar Holmertz and Bosse Meijer, cutting the American lead to 4–3. The goal reenergized the Swedish bench and crowd, swinging momentum just before the intermission.

Despite the late push, the U.S. weathered the storm. American Goaltender Brady Knowling stood tall in the crease, and Team USA carried a one-goal lead into the final 20 minutes with the gold medal on the line.

Third Period: Special Teams Deliver USA Gold

The final frame of the gold medal game opened with the United States clinging to a narrow 4–3 lead. Sweden, sensing urgency, came out strong at even strength and tilted the ice in their favor. For much of the first half of the period, the Americans weathered a relentless Swedish forecheck, with goaltender Brady Knowling standing tall to preserve the one-goal margin.

Midway through the frame, it looked like the USA had found crucial insurance. A netfront scramble ended with the puck in the back of Sweden’s net, but after a lengthy video review, officials waved it off, ruling both a kicking motion and the net dislodged. The call energized Sweden, who responded with their best stretch of play all game. The Swedes poured on pressure, dominating offensive-zone time and forcing Knowling into several difficult saves.

Momentum shifted again in the closing minutes. A slashing penalty against Sweden’s Mikael Kim with under three minutes remaining proved costly. On the ensuing power play, the United States iced the victory. Defenseman Nick Bogas hammered home the dagger from the point at 17:34, set up by Logan Harper and Luke Puchner. The goal extended the USA lead to 5–3 and silenced any hopes of a late Swedish comeback.

When the final buzzer sounded, the Americans erupted in celebration. For the first time since 2003, and just the second time in tournament history, Team USA captured Hlinka Gretzky Cup gold. Their path was anything but easy—avenging a preliminary round loss to Sweden and outlasting Canada’s full-strength roster in the semifinal—but this group of players from across 15 states embraced the underdog role and earned their place in the history books.

Inside The Rink Coverage on the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup

• 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup: Tournament Preview – August 11, 2025
• 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup: Day One – Canada, Sweden, Czechia & USA Win Openers – August 11, 2025
• 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup: Day Two Recap – August 12, 2025
• 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup: Day Three Recap – August 13, 2025
• 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup: Semifinal Preview – August 15, 2025
• 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup: Semifinals Recap – August 15, 2025
• 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup Gold Medal Preview: USA vs Sweden – August 16, 2025

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