Zurich delivers a historic overtime showdown
The championship match unfolded under the bright lights of Zurich, where a tightly contested battle swung back and forth until the extra five minutes arrived. With just over three minutes left on the clock, Noah Steen received a pass in the slot and fired a wrist shot that slipped past Jet Greaves, giving Norway a 3‑2 lead that would prove decisive.
Earlier in regulation, Emilio Pettersen opened the scoring for Norway and Stian Solberg added a second goal before Canada could respond. Between the posts, Henrik Haukeland made 44 saves, while Greaves turned away 21 shots, keeping the game alive until the final buzzer.
Canada’s fortunes turned in the dying minutes of the third period when Robert Thomas struck twice, first narrowing the gap and then tying the game with a quick wrist shot. The comeback forced overtime and showcased the depth of a roster that included teenage captain Macklin Celebrini and NHL veterans Ryan O’Reilly, Sidney Crosby, John Tavares and Mark Scheifele.
Despite the star‑studded lineup, Canada’s recent international results have been mixed. A 4‑2 loss to Finland in the semifinals sent the team to the bronze‑medal game, a repeat of the previous year’s quarter‑final exit against Denmark.
Looking ahead to the final
With Switzerland and Finland set to meet later on Sunday for the championship, the bronze‑medal match will be remembered as a milestone for Norway’s hockey program. The International Ice Hockey Federation, which oversees the tournament, praised the competitive spirit displayed by all participants.