GOTHENBURG, Sweden — The United States will play host Sweden on Friday for the gold medal at the IIHF World Junior Championship.
The United States defeated Finland 3-2 in the semifinals on Thursday, with Kutter Gauthier scoring on a power play with 3:13 remaining. The Boston University star and Philadelphia Flyers prospect scored after the Americans erased a two-goal deficit.
“I’m proud of our players,” U.S. coach David Karl said. “Despite being depressed, I didn’t let my menstruation bother me and the room didn’t panic. Our special teams and goaltending were great, so we played for the gold. I’m excited to have the opportunity to do so.”
Minnesota’s Jimmy Snageld, a 2022 first-round pick of the St. Louis Blues, and Boston College’s Will Smith, a 2023 fourth-round draft pick by the San Jose Sharks, scored the game-winning goals. Detroit Red Wings prospect Trey Augustin (Michigan State) made 19 saves in net to send the U.S. back to the World Junior Finals on Friday.
Sweden qualified by beating the Czech Republic 5-2, led by Jonathan Lekkerimäki, who scored twice, including the opening goal.
“It’s going to be a really fun match,” Lekkerimäki said of the gold medal match. “Very excited.”
The United States lost to Sweden in the 2022 Under-18 World Championship, but the players in that age group got some revenge in the 2023 rematch.
Team USA goaltender Trey Augustin (1) poses with teammate Ryan Chesley (71) after the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship third period semifinal game in Gothenburg, Sweden on Thursday, January 4th. (years old) and Lane Hutson (age 20) celebrate the victory over Finland. , 2024. Credit: AP/Christine Muschi
“They ripped the gold medal from our necks,” Gauthier said. “We remember it like it was yesterday.”
U.S. captain Rutger McGroarty, also a player born in 2004 whose 2022 status is wrong, faced jeers at the Scandinavian Arena from a partisan crowd, including many Canadians, rooting for the Swedes. I am prepared for this.
“I don’t think anyone likes being the bad guy,” said the Michigan forward and Winnipeg Jets prospect. “We’re going to be the bad guys and win gold on our home turf.”
On Friday, the Finns and Czechs will compete for the bronze medal. The United States is aiming for its first gold medal in the under-20 competition since 2021.
U.S. players celebrate their victory in the IIHF World Junior Championship ice hockey semifinals between the United States and Finland at the Scandinavium in Gothenburg, Sweden, Thursday, January 4, 2024. Credit: AP/Adam Ihse
Canada, who won the tournament for the second time in a row, lost to the Czech Republic in the quarterfinals.