UFA, Russia, January 5 (R-Sport) - The United States won the world junior hockey championships Saturday, beating Sweden 3-1 in the final.
The U.S. grabbed its third title in 10 years, while the Swedes failed to defend their title.
After a goalless first period, Sweden forward Filip Sandberg opened the score on 22 minutes on a power play.
Florida Panthers prospect Rocco Grimaldi equalized six minutes later, hitting the near corner of Niklas Lundstrom’s goal.
The diminutive wing then registered a double when the puck, slapped by Jacob Trouba, ricocheted off his leg into the net.
Saginaw Spirit center Vince Trochek sealed the U.S. win with an empty-net goal 16 seconds before the buzzer.
U.S. goaltender John Gibson stopped 27 shots as he continued to impress, a year on from being named the best goaltender at the world under-18 championships.
Earlier Saturday, Russia took the bronze after a 6-5 win over Canada, whose captain Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was top scorer with 15 points.
