US, Sweden will play for world junior gold after US beats Finland and Sweden tops Czech Republic
Team USA's Ryan Leonard (9) celebrates a goal by teammate Jimmy Snuggerud (not shown) in front of Finland's goaltender Niklas Kokko (30) during the second period of a semifinal hockey game at the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden, Thursday Jan. 4, 2024. Credit: AP/Christinne Muschi
GOTHENBURG, Sweden — The United States will face host Sweden on Friday for gold at the IIHF world junior championship.
The U.S. beat Finland 3-2 in the semifinals Thursdays, with Cutter Gauthier scoring on a power play with 3:13 left. The Boston College star and Philadelphia Flyers prospect scored after the Americans erased a two-goal deficit.
“I’m proud of our guys,” U.S. coach David Carle said. “Even though we were down, I didn’t mind our first period and there was no panic in the room. Our special teams and goaltending were excellent, and we’re excited to have the chance to play for a gold medal."
Minnesota's Jimmy Snuggerud, a 2022 St. Louis Blues first-round pick, and Boston College's Will Smith, whom the San Jose Sharks drafted fourth in 2023, scored the goals to mount the comeback. Detroit Red Wings prospect Trey Augustine of Michigan State made 19 saves in net to send the U.S. back to the world junior final, which takes place Friday.
Sweden got there by beating the Czech Republic 5-2, led by Jonathan Lekkerimaki, who scored twice, including the go-ahead goal.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Lekkerimaki said of the gold-medal game. “Very excited.”
The U.S. lost to Sweden at the under-18 worlds in 2022 before the players of this age group got a measure of revenge in the 2023 rematch.
Team USA goaltender Trey Augustine (1) celebrates a win over Finland with teammates Ryan Chesley (71) and Lane Hutson (20) following third-period semifinal game action at the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden, Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024. Credit: AP/Christinne Muschi
“Stripped the gold medal from our necks,” Gauthier said. “We remember it like yesterday.”
American captain Rutger McGroarty, another player born in 2004 on the wrong end of things in 2022, is ready for the jeers from the partisan crowd — including plenty of Canadians cheering on the Swedes — at Scandinavium arena.
“I don’t know who doesn’t love that, being the bad guy,” the Michigan forward and Winnipeg Jets prospect said. “We’re up for being the bad guy and getting a gold medal on their home turf.”
The Finns and Czechs will play for bronze on Friday. The U.S. is looking to win gold at the under-20 event for the first time since 2021.
USA players celebrate after winning the IIHF World Junior Championship ice hockey semifinal match between USA and Finland at Scandinavium in Gothenburg, Sweden, Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024. Credit: AP/Adam Ihse
Two-time defending champion Canada was bounced in the quarterfinals by the Czech Republic.
