Team USA clinched its fourth gold medal at the IIHF World Junior Championship, marking their tenth medal overall in this prestigious event. This victory improves their gold-medal game record to 4-1.
Canada initially took a 2-0 lead in the first period with goals from Thomas Chabot and Jeremy Lauzon. However, Team USA mounted a comeback, starting with a goal from Charlie McAvoy early in the second period.
McAvoy’s goal, assisted by Jordan Greenway, ignited the U.S. offense. Greenway, driving down the left wing, delivered a perfect pass to McAvoy, who unleashed a powerful shot from the slot, beating Canadian goalie Carter Hart.
The U.S. then capitalized on a power play to tie the game. Adam Fox fired a shot from the point, which was skillfully deflected by Kieffer Bellows into the Canadian net, leveling the score.
Despite facing minor penalties towards the end of the second period, Team USA’s defense held strong, maintaining the tie as they entered the final period.
Canada surged ahead again in the third, scoring two quick goals by Nicolas Roy and Mathieu Joseph. But Team USA demonstrated resilience and responded swiftly.
Just 39 seconds after Canada’s second goal, Bellows scored his second of the game. McAvoy, displaying exceptional vision, sent a cross-ice pass to Bellows, who executed a perfect one-timer from the right circle.
Colin White then tied the game once more, deflecting a shot from Fox. This crucial goal was White’s seventh of the tournament, making him the team’s leading scorer.
The game proceeded to a tense 20-minute overtime period. Both teams had opportunities to win, including a close chance for Clayton Keller early in overtime. Both goalies, Parsons for the U.S. and Hart for Canada, were outstanding, making crucial saves. Parsons made an impressive 17 saves in overtime alone. Team USA also had to overcome a penalty in overtime.
The gold medal was ultimately decided in a five-round shootout. Troy Terry, who had a stellar shootout performance in the semifinal, scored the decisive goal in the fourth round.
Parsons then secured the victory, stopping the final two Canadian shootout attempts, sealing the gold medal for Team USA in Epic Fashion.
NOTES: Charlie McAvoy was named U.S. Player of the Game. Canada outshot the U.S. 50-36. Team USA went 1-for-2 on power plays, while Canada was 1-for-6. This is Team USA’s third gold medal since 2010, the most of any nation. Team USA has medaled in five of the last eight World Junior Championships. The Best Three Players for Team USA in the tournament were Clayton Keller, Jordan Greenway, and Colin White. Charlie McAvoy and Clayton Keller were named to the Media All-Star Team. Team USA won all seven games in the 2017 tournament, a record for the country. Clayton Keller led U.S. players with 11 points, followed by Colin White with 8 and Jordan Greenway with 8. White was the top goal scorer with seven. Keller’s 11 points ranked third in the tournament, and White’s seven goals ranked second. Team USA defeated both Russia and Canada twice en route to gold. Troy Terry scored four shootout goals in the final two games. The last U.S. men’s national team to play for a championship in Montreal was the 1996 World Cup of Hockey Team. The next IIHF World Junior Championship will be hosted by Buffalo, New York, featuring an outdoor game between the U.S. and Canada at New Era Field.
