The #WorldJunior final between SWEDEN and the USA is almost a rematch of the #U18 final on May 1, 2022 in Germany.
Sweden won 6-4 and 14 Swedish players against 12 American players are back today for the #U20 grand final #RDS #Tradition
– Stephane Leroux (@StephRDSJunior) January 5, 2024
It was Gabriel Perreault, Yanic’s son, who scored the first goal of the game for the United States :
Gabriel Perreault puts the Americans on the scoreboard first in the Junior World Finals! @StephRDSJunior #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/XDtr1ZFCCx
– RDS (@RDSca) January 5, 2024
Otto Stenberg scored the Swedes’ first goal…
But that’s when Isaac Howard woke up on the U.S. side.
USA GOAL
An incredible pass by Drew Fortescue sets up this Isaac Howard goal to give Team USA the lead! #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/tBAwk4NfhR
– TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 5, 2024
Isaac Howard scores his 2nd of the game to give Team USA a 2 goal lead!#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/BISTYhyDEu
– TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 5, 2024
The Americans were about to go into the locker room with a two-goal lead, but Canucks prospect Jonathan Lekkerimäkin spoiled the party with a goal with five seconds left in the second period.
Jonathan Lekkerimäki with a HUGE goal for the Swedes!
3-2 to the Americans with 20 minutes to play @StephRDSJunior pic.twitter.com/IvBpT6N74Y
– RDS (@RDSca) January 5, 2024
Lane Hutson’s team wasted no time in getting on the scoreboard in the third period.
Zeev Buium gives the USA a huge 4-2 lead with this big blast right off the faceoff.#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/MQQYsqaacx
– Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) January 5, 2024
American captain Rutger McGroarty scored into an empty net to extinguish Sweden’s chances.
The Swedes were visibly frustrated… and Lane Hutson decided to have a little fun by throwing down the gloves to help his teammate.
No, it’s not a prank!
LANE HUTSON IS A GOON pic.twitter.com/ddszBkmHAH
– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) January 5, 2024
Spouts to the crowd, signs to other players… It’s a little embarrassing.
Winning the gold medal is cool. But that doesn’t mean they have to act like cabochons either. The following example is perfect for describing the situation:
Ryan Leonard with a great individual effort to give the USA a 3-goal lead.
He blows a kiss to the fans as well. #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/OXsITpfOrI
– Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) January 5, 2024
This is the 6th gold medal in the country’s history at the World Junior Championships.
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It’s worth noting that earlier today, the Czech Republic beat Finland in the bronze medal match.