Denmark: Siltanews – News Desk
Switzerland is heading to the gold medal game for the second year in a row. Propelled by three first-period goals, the Swiss thumped underdog Denmark 7-0 in Saturday’s late semi-final in Stockholm. They will battle the Americans, who beat Sweden 6-2 in the other semi-final, for gold at the 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship on Sunday.
In 2024 in Prague, Coach Patrick Fischer’s crew settled for the silver medal after falling 2-0 to the host Czechs. This year, they hope to author a story of triumph. The Swiss, who also own modern-era silvers from 2013 and 2018, have never won a top-division gold medal. This will be a truly historic matchup as the Americans have never appeared in a WM final since the IIHF’s 1992 institution of the playoff system.
“They’ve gotten better throughout the tournament,” said Switzerland’s Time Meier. “They’ll be better than the last time we played them. We’re excited to play in the final in Stockholm. It’s a great arena, it’s going to be a great crowd, and we’re grateful for that and will take full advantage of the opportunity.”
Nino Niederreiter set the tone with two goals. Denis Malgin, Damien Riot, and Sandro Schmid each chipped in a goal and an assist apiece. Ken Jager and Tyler Moy also scored for Switzerland. Meier and Christophe Bertschy added two helpers apiece.
With 17 saves, Swiss starting goalie Leonardo Genoni earned his fifth win and tournament-leading fourth shutout. Genoni’s current shutout streak, dating back to the 5-1 wins over Germany on 15 May, stretched to 181:35. The single-tournament record belongs to Finland’s Pekka Rinne (238:05 in 2015).
“He’s unreal,” said Swiss defenseman Janis Moser of Genoni. “He’s been doing it for so many years now, and he’s always clutch when it matters. He’s a huge part of our team.” Seeded 11th in the IIHF World Ranking, the Cinderella Danes electrified the hockey world with their 2-1 quarter-final elimination of a star-studded Canadian team led by Sidney Crosby. It marked the first time Denmark has ever won a quarter-final in three tries, including 2010 and 2016.