The 2025 IIHF World Championship final between Switzerland and the United States came down to a razor-thin margin — and in the end, it was the Americans who left the ice celebrating. While the game was a heartbreaker for the Swiss, especially given their remarkable performance, two Swiss players in particular stood out for their individual brilliance.

At times, it seemed like Leonardo Genoni was simply unbeatable. The veteran goaltender, who had already recorded shutouts against Hungary, Austria, and Denmark earlier in the tournament, put on another masterclass against the United States. His flawless positioning made it look as though he could anticipate every puck’s trajectory.

Even in rare moments when Genoni was out of sync, he somehow managed to get in the way of shots. Throughout the game, the Americans must have wondered if they would ever find a way to beat him. Ironically, the goal that did come wasn’t even one of their most dangerous attempts. It was a harsh twist of fate for the Swiss netminder, whose near-perfect performance deserved a better reward.

With the final ending 1-0 in overtime, it’s impossible to ignore the man who netted the only goal: Tage Thompson. The forward delivered the decisive blow in the 62nd minute, stealing the spotlight on a night full of tense moments. Was Thompson the best American on the ice? Perhaps not. Defenseman Brady Skjei and goaltender Jeremy Swayman also made compelling cases. But in sports, the game-winner often takes center stage — and Sunday was no exception.

Thompson showed exactly why he’s considered one of the NHL’s top five goal-scorers. After being repeatedly denied by Genoni throughout the match, his quick release in overtime finally found the back of the net.

Dean Kukan Impresses on the Blue Line

Another standout for Switzerland was defenseman Dean Kukan of the Zurich Lions. Against the U.S., he delivered one of his best performances of the tournament. Kukan was one of the few Swiss defenders able to carry the puck cleanly into the offensive zone, playing with confidence and control. On one particularly strong rush, he even looked poised to become an unlikely hero.

Throughout the championship, Kukan formed a rock-solid defensive pair with Jonas Siegenthaler. Their chemistry was evident once again in the gold medal game. While no one could fully replace the impact of Roman Josi, Kukan’s consistency and composure were vital to Switzerland’s success. His play throughout the tournament was top-tier — and he wasn’t alone. Andrea Glauser also matched that high level of play, both in earlier matches and in the final.

Group Standings — 2025 World Championship

Group A:

Group B:

As the tournament concludes, Switzerland leaves with pride, having taken the silver and shown the depth of its roster. While the Americans celebrated gold, the performance of players like Genoni and Kukan ensured that the Swiss left the ice with their heads held high.