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With a heroic goal from Tage Thompson in overtime, the United States beat Switzerland 1-0 to capture the country’s first gold medal in the IIHF Men’s World Hockey Championship since 1933.

As Andrew Podnieks of IIHF.com reports, Thompson beat goalie and tournament MVP Leonardo Genoni to the blocker side with 17:58 remaining in overtime to score the game’s only goal. Thompson erupted in celebration, jumping into the corner boards before being mobbed by his teammates. Unsurprisingly, Thompson was named Player of the Game. The goal was assisted by Logan Cooley and Brady Skjei.

The U.S. controlled the game and led in shots 40-25, but Genoni continued to turn aside quality scoring chances until Thompson was able to deliver the golden goal. His saves included stopping Conor Garland on a penalty shot. Incredibly, Thompson’s goal broke Genoni’s 243:27 shutout streak that spanned five games and included three consecutive shutouts.

On the other end, Boston Bruins netminder Jeremy Swayman stopped every shot that came his way, backstopping his country to a gold medal. After falling 3-0 to Switzerland earlier in the tournament, the U.S. got its revenge in the rematch thanks in large part to Swayman’s performance.

In a touching tribute following the contest, U.S. players draped a Johnny Gaudreau jersey over the trophy. Gaudreau, who tallied 43 points in five appearances in the tournament, remains a key source of inspiration for U.S. teams. As team leaders posed for photos before lifting the trophy, Gaudreau’s number 13 stood front and center—a fitting symbol of his impact on American hockey.

The championship victory represents America’s first major win in international play since the 1996 World Cup.

Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly addressed a range of topics in an interview with The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, including ongoing expansion talks, updates on a potential collective bargaining agreement extension, and his thoughts on the current playoff format.

LeBrun’s first question focused on the CBA, which the league and NHLPA began discussing in April. While the current CBA doesn’t expire until September 2026, Daly was asked if progress was being made on a possible extension. Daly acknowledged that discussions are ongoing and progressing well, with both sides actively exchanging proposals and continuing the dialogue.

“I don’t have any timetable for you, but I would like to think that we’ll have a successful conclusion at some point in the not-too-distant future,” said Daly.

Daly added that as part of the CBA talks, both sides are discussing solutions to the current LTIR regulations and the lack of a salary cap during the playoffs. As Daly said, “Nothing’s done until it’s done, but I would tell you that I think we’ve made progress toward getting to a good resolution on that issue.”

With rumors swirling about potential expansion teams in Atlanta (for a third time) or Houston, LeBrun asked Daly whether it would be fair to say the league is actively engaged in the expansion process. While Daly said the answer depends on how one defines “expansion process,” he emphasized that the league is always open to the idea if the right opportunity presents itself.

As Daly noted, “I think what Gary (Bettman) is clear about is, there is no current intention to open up a formal expansion process and invite bids. It’s much more of a one-on-one conversation and relationship we have with various potential owners.”

Daly added that he doesn’t believe additional expansion teams would ’water down’ the league, noting that the global pool of elite talent is strong enough to support more NHL clubs. Daly said he shared in those concerns when four expansion teams were added in the late 1990s but added that the hockey world has changed dramatically over the last 25 years, with more elite players are coming from the United States and overseas than ever before.

Daly also touched on the current playoff format, which as LeBrun notes, allows for key matchups like Colorado against Dallas in the first round. Daly acknowledged that, like any topic, the NHL is open to discussing playoff format alternatives with the NHLPA as part of the CBA process but noted that no such discussions have taken place yet.