Vancouver, BC – May 17, 2025
Finland is the 2025 World Deaf Ice Hockey Champion after defeating the United States 6–3 in the gold medal game at Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre.

USA struck first at 13:36 of the opening period when Samuel Holzrichter scored, assisted by Nicholas Pecora and Bruce Green Audette. Just under four minutes later, Nicholas Pecora added a goal of his own at 9:43 with helpers from Tyler Balcerak and Holzrichter.

Finland responded before the end of the period with a goal from Severi Väre at 5:38, assisted by Aleksi Ahola and Santeri Ahola, cutting the USA lead to 2–1.

The second period belonged to Finland, who scored three unanswered goals to take control:

  • Aleksi Ahola tied the game at 15:43, assisted by Väre and Julius Hyyppä.
  • Julius Hyyppä scored at 10:07 (assists: Santeri Taskinen, Aleksi Ahola).
  • Jukka Keränen made it 4–2 at 4:45 (assists: Julius Hyyppä, Santeri Ahola).

In the third period, Marko Liimatainen extended Finland's lead to 5–2 with a goal at 18:00, assisted by Janne Nyberg and Severi Väre. USA narrowed the gap at 1:21 when Milo Rydberg scored from Lukas Gold, but Finland answered again quickly. Julius Hyyppä scored his second of the night at 13:37, assisted by Aleksi Ahola and Väre, sealing the win.

Goaltender Robert Edlund made 22 saves for Finland, while Curran Allison made 24 stops for Team USA.

Scoring Summary

First Period

  • 13:36 – USA – Samuel Holzrichter (assists: Nicholas Pecora, Bruce Green Audette)
  • 09:43 – USA – Nicholas Pecora (assists: Tyler Balcerak, Samuel Holzrichter)
  • 05:38 – Finland – Severi Väre (assists: Aleksi Ahola, Santeri Ahola)

Second Period

  • 15:43 – Finland – Aleksi Ahola (assists: Severi Väre, Julius Hyyppä)
  • 10:07 – Finland – Julius Hyyppä (assists: Santeri Taskinen, Aleksi Ahola)
  • 04:45 – Finland – Jukka Keränen (assists: Julius Hyyppä, Santeri Ahola)

Third Period

  • 18:00 – Finland – Marko Liimatainen (assists: Janne Nyberg, Severi Väre)
  • 13:37 – Finland – Julius Hyyppä (assists: Aleksi Ahola, Severi Väre)
  • 01:21 – USA – Milo Rydberg (assist: Lukas Gold)

Goaltending

  • Finland: Robert Edlund – 22 saves
  • USA: Curran Allison – 24 saves

Penalty Summary

  • USA:
    • Multiple minors including roughing, slashing, cross-checking, head contact
    • Jake Schlereth – match penalty (cross-checking) at 00:57 of the 3rd period
  • Finland:
    • Minor penalties included holding the stick, hooking, high-sticking, and roughing

Game Notes

  • Julius Hyyppä scored two goals and had at least one assist.
  • Aleksi Ahola and Severi Väre each recorded multiple points.
  • Finland outscored USA 5–1 from the second period onward.
  • Finland claims the gold medal at the 2025 World Deaf Ice Hockey Championships.

VIEW TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE