Penn State women’s hockey star Tessa Janecke scored an overtime game-winning goal to give the United States the gold medal in the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Women’s World Championship Sunday afternoon.

The goal by Janecke capped a 4-3 win over Canada, the defending champion, to win the tournament. It’s the second win for the United States in three years. This year was the fourth year that Janecke suited up for her country and the third playing in this event.

Janecke finished the tournament with three goals and three assists, the 13th-most points in the tournament.

Janecke, a 20-year-old junior, was named the 2025 AHA Forward and Player of the Year after racking up 53 points in 38 games and leading the Nittany Lions to the AHA regular season and tournament titles. Penn State finished this past season with a 36-6-1 record, falling to St. Lawrence in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Already being regarded as one of the program’s best players ever, Janecke has one year of eligibility remaining.

About the Author

Michael Siroty

Michael Siroty is a junior from Westfield, New Jersey, majoring in broadcast journalism. When he isn't writing articles or making TikToks for Onward State, Siroty is probably somewhere talking about college sports. You can contact him to discuss your sushi order or music taste on Instagram and X @msiroty or by email at mfs6682@psu.edu.

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