In a thrilling culmination to the IIHF World Championship, Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman turned in a stellar performance, making 25 saves to lead Team USA to a 5-2 victory over Sweden in Saturday’s semifinal match. With the win, he secured his spot in the final against Switzerland, where he once again proved instrumental in earning a gold medal. Following the final, Swayman couldn’t hide his joy, beaming as he collected his gold medal at center ice, a smile that could have stretched from Boston to his hometown of Anchorage.
Reflecting on his tournament experience, Swayman expressed that he felt “completely rebirthed in a way,” finishing with an impressive record of 7-0-0, a goals-against average of 1.69, and a save percentage of .921. His dominant play throughout the tournament helped solidify his role as the franchise goalie for the Boston Bruins, after the organization decided to trade Linus Ullmark last summer in favor of “Sway.”
Alongside Swayman, Bruins teammates Andrew Peeke and Mason Lohrei also celebrated their first IIHF world gold medals as they prepare to report to Bruins training camp in September. Adding more accolades to the Bruins roster, David Pastrnak of Czechia and Elias Lindholm of Sweden were named to the tournament’s all-star team, both leading their respective teams in scoring. As the Bruins look to return to playoff contention next season following a disappointing DNQ for the first time since 2016, the contributions of these players will be critical to their success.
As the gold medalists skated to the Avicii sideboard to collect their tournament trophy, the excitement was palpable. Team captain Clayton Keller, along with other U.S. players, proudly displayed their gold medals, but before lifting the trophy in celebration, they made a touching tribute by draping the chalice with a Team USA sweater bearing Johnny Gaudreau’s number 13. The poignant moment was dedicated to the former Boston College star, who tragically lost his life along with his brother Matthew when they were struck by an alleged drunk driver last August, just before their sister’s wedding.
Gord Miller, the play-by-play announcer for the event, recounted the significance of this tribute, stating, “Never to be forgotten.” The emotional impact of the championships resonated deeply with fans, particularly in light of Gaudreau’s tragic passing.
Ryan Warsofsky, the head coach of the Sharks and a former player at Marshfield High, also shared in the joy of the victory. His journey began at Marshfield and included a post-grad year at Cushing Academy before transitioning to a collegiate career that took him to both Sacred Heart and Curry. After starting his coaching career as an assistant at Curry in 2012, Warsofsky has now fulfilled a dream by leading his team to a gold medal.
“You could feel the tears of joy for Ryan, his players, and family,” commented Dan Connolly, Warsofsky’s coach at Marshfield, as he expressed pride in his former player’s accomplishments.
In a pivotal moment of the final match, an intense play took place when the U.S. was awarded a penalty shot early in the second period. Frank Nazar, a rookie forward for the Blackhawks, was blatantly hooked while driving towards the Swiss net. However, Warsofsky opted to call Nazar over to the bench and instead chose the veteran Conor Garland to take the shot. Garland’s attempt was thwarted by the swift reaction of Swiss goalie Leonardo Genoni, showcasing the tension of the match.
Despite an emotional battle, the Swiss team faced yet another disappointment. They have yet to secure a gold medal at the World Championships, despite previous close calls, including a runner-up finish against Czechia and Sweden in past tournaments. Fans in the stands, visibly heartbroken, witnessed firsthand how close their team came to achieving glory.
Had Switzerland triumphed over Team USA, it could have inspired renewed enthusiasm for hockey among Swiss youth, reminiscent of the impact Team USA’s Olympic victory over the Soviet Union in 1980 had on American hockey. The opportunity seemed ripe for a remarkable shift in national pride and sports participation.
Looking ahead, Swayman’s performance at the tournament undoubtedly enhanced his prospects for inclusion in the next Olympic squad for Italy 2026. With Jake Oettinger remaining in the playoffs with Dallas, this group of talented goalies is positioning themselves favorably for future competition.
As the Bruins reflect on a challenging winter season that saw them miss the playoffs, the gold medals earned by Swayman, Peeke, and Lohrei provide a spark of hope for the fans. With September approaching, the Bruins are eager to build on this momentum and look forward to what the next season holds.
image source from：https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/05/25/sports/hockey-world-championship/
