When Team USA played hockey against the Soviet Union in Lake Placid, New York on February 22, 1980, the spread in talent between the two teams was Grand Canyon-esque. The Soviet Union consisted of professional players and had won the gold medal in five of six prior Winter Olympics. The USA squad was littered with amateur players, yet they were able to do the improbable, winning 4-3, giving birth to the “Miracle on Ice.”
On Sunday, May 25, 2025, USA Hockey did something historic once again, winning the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Championship for the first time since 1933.
Now, the talent gap from the rest of the world wasn’t as cavernous as that Lake Placid USA team, as the roster was filled with NHL players, with a few college ones mixed in. And the recent form hasn’t been bad, as Team USA finished 5th, 4th, 4th and 3rd in the prior four World Championships.
That said, the first win in 92 years is quite the accomplishment.
During the group stage, Team USA finished second with five wins, one overtime win and a loss. Switzerland won the group and defeated Team USA, 3-0, in group play.
In the playoffs, Team USA defeated Finland, 5-2, in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, they won, 6-2, over Sweden. In the championship game, Team USA got a rematch with Switzerland.
Revenge is best served in overtime:
