IIHF U18: USA Storms Back to Defeat Sweden, Securing Top Spot in Group B

Saturday night’s showdown between the United States and Sweden didn’t just live up to the hype — it shattered it. In a battle for the top spot in Group B, Team USA erased two early deficits and surged past Sweden 6–3, fueled by quick-strike offense, relentless pressure, and clutch goaltending. With the win, the Americans locked up first place with a perfect 3–0 record.

First Period

Sweden wasted no time setting the tone. At 7:47, Filip Ekberg capitalized on a turnover deep in the American zone, snapping a shot past USA goaltender Patrick Quinlan, with help from Eric Nilson.

GOAL (7:47): Filip Ekberg (SWE) – Even Strength
Assists: Eric Nilson

The Swedes doubled their lead at 12:15 when Ivar Stenberg worked his way off the half boards and slipped a shot in from a sharp angle. Sascha Boumedienne and Oliwer Sjöström collected the assists.

GOAL (12:15): Ivar Stenberg (SWE) – Even Strength
Assists: Sascha Boumedienne, Oliwer Sjöström

The United States answered back before the first period ended. At 15:35, a crisp passing play saw Will Horcoff feed Donny Bracco, who found Will Moore for a clean finish at the side of the net, cutting Sweden’s lead to 2–1.

GOAL (15:35): Will Moore (USA) – Even Strength
Assists: Donny Bracco, Will Horcoff

Score: Sweden 2, USA 1

Second Period

Team USA drew even early in the second frame. At 22:04, a misplay in front of the Swedish net resulted in Jacob Kvasnicka being credited with the tying goal, assisted by Mikey Berchild and Drew Schock. Sweden responded quickly. At 27:22, Ivar Stenberg showcased his speed, breaking free and finishing on a solo effort to push Sweden back ahead 3–2.

The Americans then seized control of the game late in the period. At 38:23, Mikey Berchild tied the contest again, snapping home a feed from Jacob Kvasnicka and L.J. Mooney. Just 43 seconds later, at 39:06, Cullen Potter found the back of the net after a sweet setup from Will Moore, giving the United States its first lead of the night, 4–3.

GOAL (39:06): Cullen Potter (USA) – Even Strength
Assists: Will Moore

Score: USA 4, Sweden 3

Third Period

USA tightened its grip early in the third. At 47:28, Drew Schock jumped into the rush and redirected a slick pass from Jacob Kvasnicka, with an additional assist from L.J. Mooney, to extend the lead to 5–3.

GOAL (47:28): Drew Schock (USA) – Even Strength
Assists: Jacob Kvasnicka, L.J. Mooney

Sweden pulled their goaltender Love Harenstam late in regulation, but the Americans put the finishing touch on the victory. At 59:58, Teddy Mutryn buried an empty-net goal, assisted by L.J. Mooney, sealing the 6–3 win and securing first place in Group B with a perfect 3–0 record.

End of Regulation: USA 6, Sweden 3

Players of the Game

United States – Jacob Kvasnicka
Kvasnicka was a difference-maker all night. He recorded a goal and two assists, helping spark the USA comeback in the second period and setting up the key insurance goal early in the third. His playmaking and poise under pressure helped swing the momentum.

Sweden – Ivar Stenberg
Despite the loss, Stenberg was Sweden’s best player. He scored two goals — including a highlight-reel breakaway marker — and created trouble for the American defense with his speed and creativity every time he touched the puck.

Honorable Mention – Patrick Quinlan (USA)
The American goaltender came up big in the third period, making a handful of huge saves to preserve the lead, including an eye-popping glove save on Jakob Ihs Wozniak from point-blank range.

Key Moments of the Game

Quick Strike:
Mikey Berchild and Cullen Potter scored just 43 seconds apart late in the second period, swinging a 3–2 Sweden lead into a 4–3 USA advantage in under a minute.

Undefeated Streak:
With the win, Team USA finishes Group B play a perfect 3–0, securing the #1 seed heading into the knockout stage.

Defensive Contribution:
Defenceman Drew Schock not only played a key shutdown role but also scored the critical insurance goal in the third period — a classic “jump into the rush” moment that coaches love from their blue-liners.

Mooney’s Night:
L.J. Mooney quietly had a huge night with 3 assists, factoring into half of the USA’s goals.

Empty-Net Luck:
Teddy Mutryn’s empty-net goal came just two seconds after Sweden put their goalie back in momentarily during a chaotic late sequence. Sweden re-pulled their goalie immediately after to try again but couldn’t close the gap.

IIHF Photo Gallery – United States vs Sweden – 2025 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship