Norway shocks Canada in overtime to win first-ever IIHF World Championship bronze
Norway has made history by winning its first-ever IIHF World Championship medal, clinching bronze after a dramatic 3-2 overtime victory over Canada in the third-place playoff in Prague. Forward Mathias Trettenes scored the decisive goal 1:47 into overtime, capping a comeback that saw Norway erase a 2-0 deficit in the second period .
The game remained tense throughout, with Canada leading 2-0 after the first period before Norway equalized through goals from Michael Haga and Andreas Martinsen. The hosts dominated possession in the final frame but failed to convert until Trettenes’ sudden-death winner, sparking wild celebrations from the Norwegian bench and fans . Canada, which had shuffled its lines after a lackluster start, saw its hopes of a medal dashed in the final seconds of regulation when Norway forced overtime with a late power-play goal.
Norway’s victory marks a watershed moment for the country’s ice hockey program, which had never before reached a World Championship podium. The team’s underdog triumph—ranked 11th in the tournament—defied expectations and drew comparisons to Norway’s 1994 Olympic hockey breakthrough . Head coach Tobias Johansson praised his players’ resilience, noting that the team had "played for pride" after narrowly missing the semifinals.
The bronze-medal match unfolded against the backdrop of Finland’s impending gold-medal showdown with Switzerland later today. Finland, the defending champions, enter the final as favorites, though analysts warn of Switzerland’s tactical discipline and goaltending strength . Norway’s victory ensures the country’s first medal in the tournament since 1994, when it last competed in the top division.
- die zeit
- helsingin sanomat
- aftenposten
