GOTHENBURG, Sweden — The United States got the revenge it craved.
Isaac Howard scored twice in the second period as the United States defeated host Sweden 6-2 to win the gold medal at the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship on Friday.
Boston College’s Gabe Perreault, a 2023 first-round pick of the New York Rangers, had one goal and two assists. BC’s Ryan Leonard, the No. 8 pick by the Washington Capitals, and Zeeb Bouium, a top 2024 draft pick who plays for Denver, each scored a goal, and captain Rutger McGroarty had an empty netter.
The Americans have qualified for the U-20 tournament for the sixth time since winning last time in 2021.
“The players played great,” coach David Karl said. “I’m happy for them. They were focused on coming into this game and doing their best for the last game of the tournament, and I thought they did that. It’s great to be part of a winning team. It’s an honor.”
BC’s Will Smith, the No. 4 pick of the San Jose Sharks, added two assists. Winnipeg Jets prospect McGraw-Arty, who plays at the University of Michigan, also had two goals and an assist. Detroit Red Wings draft pick Trey Augustin, Howard’s teammate at Michigan State, scored the goal for the United States.
The USA lost to Sweden 6-4 at the 2022 Under-18 World Championship despite holding a 51-14 shot advantage. Players of this age group said they remember that loss like it was yesterday.
Sweden lost to the United States in last year’s bronze medal match, but this is the 12th time they have finished second in the tournament.
The Czech Republic came back from a 5-2 deficit with six scoreless goals to shock Finland with an 8-5 victory and win the bronze medal.