Gold belongs to the Red, White, and Blue — and so does the moment for Johnny Hockey.
Team USA has done it! In a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat final at the 2025 IIHF World Championships, the Americans claimed gold with a stunning 4-3 overtime win over Canada — a game that will be etched in international hockey history for years to come.
But the victory wasn’t just about the medal. It was also a celebration of legacy — as Johnny Gaudreau, affectionately known as “Johnny Hockey,” was honored before the game with a surprise tribute that brought the arena — and much of the hockey world — to tears.
The Game of the Tournament
Let’s set the scene: sold-out arena in Stockholm, USA vs. Canada, gold on the line. Team USA entered the championship game on a hot streak, having steamrolled through the group stage and battled fiercely through the semifinals.
But Canada — always a giant — wasn’t backing down.
After trading goals throughout the first 60 minutes, the teams entered overtime tied 3-3. Then, just 2:11 into OT, Trevor Zegras took a slick feed from Logan Cooley, deked out two defenders, and roofed the puck glove-side. The Americans erupted.
GOLD FOR USA!
Players tossed gloves into the air, dogpiled in the corner, and waved the Stars and Stripes with pride. The bench cleared. The dream had been realized.
Johnny Gaudreau: Honored in Gold
The most emotional moment came pre-game when Team USA took a pause to honor Johnny Gaudreau, who announced earlier this year that this would be his final international tournament.
Gaudreau, a two-time World Championship gold medalist and one of USA Hockey’s most iconic forwards of the last decade, was presented with a custom Team USA jersey — trimmed in gold — and a tribute video highlighting his legendary moments in red, white, and blue.
Fans in Stockholm gave him a standing ovation. Players from both teams tapped their sticks. Johnny, known for his humble demeanor, wiped away a tear as the spotlight hit him one last time.
He didn’t score in the final, but his presence meant everything.
“I’m just so proud of this team,” Gaudreau said postgame. “To win it all with this group… and to wear the jersey one more time — it’s the perfect ending.”
USA’s New Era Has Arrived
This gold medal marks Team USA’s first World Championship title since 1960 — and it signals a powerful new chapter in American hockey. With a roster full of dynamic young talent like Zegras, Cooley, Luke Hughes, and Cutter Gauthier, this group might just be getting started.
“This was for the country,” said captain Luke Hughes. “We knew what was at stake. And we knew what Johnny meant to this team — we wanted to send him off right.”
What’s Next for Johnny?
Though Gaudreau hasn’t confirmed his NHL future, he strongly hinted this may be his international farewell only. “I’ve still got some gas in the tank,” he joked.
Whether it’s his last skate with Team USA or not, one thing is clear: Johnny Hockey’s legacy is golden.
And now, so is Team USA’s