Norway achieved a remarkable 3-2 overtime victory against Canada on Sunday to claim the bronze medal at the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in Zurich, marking their greatest achievement in tournament history while delivering another shocking loss to the Canadian squad.
Canada entered the bronze medal contest as heavy favorites to earn their first medal since 2023, especially after suffering an unexpected quarter-final elimination by Denmark the previous year. However, the Canadians found themselves trailing 2-0 and required two clutch goals from Robert Thomas, including one with just eight seconds remaining in regulation, to send the game into overtime.
Despite appearing completely exhausted after absorbing a devastating 6-0 defeat against host Switzerland in Saturday’s semifinal, Norway found the strength for one final push. Noah Steen delivered the decisive goal 3 minutes and 32 seconds into the extra period, clinching Norway’s maiden tournament medal.
The historic achievement drew praise from Norway’s prime minister Jonas Gahr Store, who posted on social media: “An incredible and historic day – with a winning goal in sudden death… We celebrate, (this is) a new era for Norwegian ice hockey.”
Switzerland and Finland will compete in Sunday’s championship final.
