After a thrilling 6–3 victory over Sweden in group play, Team USA and Team Sweden are set to meet again—this time with a trip to the gold-medal game on the line.
The Americans come in riding a dominant stretch of tournament success, having reached the semifinal round in 22 of the last 23 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championships. A win tonight would send the U.S. to its fourth consecutive gold-medal game and move them one step closer to a record-extending 12th tournament title.
Team USA – Chasing Gold Again
Team USA earned its semifinal spot with a 6–3 win over Latvia in quarterfinal play. Cullen Potter, Richard Gallant, and Jack Murtagh each found the net to build a 3–0 lead, and while Latvia cut the deficit to one with two second-period power-play goals, the U.S. pulled away with goals from Asher Barnett, L.J. Mooney, and another from Potter to seal the win.
Sweden, meanwhile, responded to their only loss of the tournament—against the U.S.—by routing Finland 7–2 in the quarterfinals. With a tournament-best 36 goals scored, the Swedes are dangerous offensively and looking to avenge the preliminary round defeat.
In all-time semifinal matchups, the U.S. holds a 2-1-0-0 record against Sweden, including wins in 2005, 2014, and 2017—each of which led to a gold medal. In those three meetings, the Americans have outscored Sweden 14–6.
L.J. Mooney continues to climb the all-time U.S. leaderboard at the U18s. With 17 career points in 12 tournament games, he sits tied for 14th all-time and is just five points shy of cracking the top ten. His 13 assists (nine this year) place him tied for sixth all-time in U.S. history, one behind Rocco Grimaldi and seven off the record set by Cole Hutson.
Richard Gallant leads Team USA with five goals, including a pair of shorthanded markers, while Mikey Berchild—the top-scoring underage player in the tournament—has netted four.
Defensively, the Americans have been steady, allowing the second-fewest goals (11) across five games and tying for second in fewest power-play goals against (3).
Sweden – Looking to Avenge Lone Loss
Sweden comes into the semifinal with something to prove after suffering their only loss of the tournament against the Americans in group play. Since then, they’ve been dominant, including a 7–2 rout over Finland in the quarterfinals.
No team has scored more than Sweden’s 36 goals, and their offensive depth remains a major threat. While the U.S. held them to just three goals in the first meeting, Sweden’s attack remains the most explosive in the tournament—and will be eager to rewrite the narrative.
This will be the fourth time the two teams have met in the semifinal round. The U.S. holds a 3–0 record in those games (2005, 2014, 2017), and in each of those years, went on to claim the gold medal.
Key Players – Team USA
L.J. Mooney (F – West Mifflin, Pa.) – 11 points (2G, 9A) in five GP
The heartbeat of the U.S. offense. With 11 points in this tournament (and 17 all-time in U18 play), Mooney is a dual threat — a slick playmaker and high-IQ scorer. He’s also just one assist away from cracking the U.S. all-time top five.
Richard Gallant (F – Concord, Mass.)
Leads the team with five goals, including two shorthanded tallies. Gallant has been dangerous on the penalty kill, in transition, and around the net. His scoring touch could tilt momentum quickly.
Mikey Berchild (F – Minnetonka, Minn.)
The top-scoring underage player in the tournament with four goals. Berchild’s speed and finishing ability give the Americans scoring depth, especially if Sweden keys in on the top line.
Patrick Quinlan (G)
The U.S. netminder was tested in the first matchup against Sweden and came up big, including a third-period glove save that changed the tone of the game. He’ll need to be sharp again against the tournament’s highest-scoring team.
Key Players – Sweden
Ivar Stenberg (F) – Six points (4G, 2A) in five GP
Scored two goals against the U.S. in the preliminary round, including a highlight-reel breakaway. He’s been Sweden’s most dynamic forward and is a constant threat off the rush.
Filip Ekberg (F)
Opened the scoring in the first meeting with USA. A tenacious forechecker with strong puck instincts — he’ll be key in generating offensive zone pressure early.
Love Harenstam (G)
Sweden’s starting goalie will need a bounce-back performance after allowing five goals (plus an empty net goal) in the last meeting with the U.S. His play will be crucial in keeping Sweden close if the Americans start fast again.
Sascha Boumedienne (D)
A steady two-way presence on the blue line, Boumedienne picked up an assist in the first matchup and will be relied on to slow down USA’s transition game and quarterback the power play.
What to Watch
Can the U.S. forecheck once again frustrate Sweden’s transition game?
Will L.J. Mooney continue climbing the record books with another multi-point night?
Can Sweden generate enough offense against Quinlan and the stingy U.S. defense?
Will Berchild and Gallant stay hot in front of the net?
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