IIHF – Leonard named MVP

The International Ice Hockey Federation has announced the winners of the individual awards and the tournament all-star team after the gold medal game of the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Ryan Leonard was named MVP. The American captain, who scored five goals and five assists for the champions, received the inaugural Murray Costello World Junior Championship MVP Award. Costello, a longtime IIHF Council Member and former Hockey Canada president, passed away at age 90 in the summer of 2024. In recognition of his many achievements, the IIHF has decided to rename the MVP award in his honour.

“As an IIHF Lifetime Member and an inductee of the IIHF Hall of Fame, Murray had such a significant impact on hockey in Canada and around the world throughout his career,” said IIHF President Luc Tardif ahead of the 2025 final in Ottawa, Canada.

IIHF Directorate Awards

Best Goalkeeper:Petteri Rimpinen, Finland

Best Defender: Axel Sandin Pellikka, Sweden

Best Forward: Ryan Leonard, USA

Media All-Star Team & MVP

Goalkeeper: Petteri Rimpinen, Finland

Defender: Cole Hutson, USA

Defender: Axel Sandin Pellikka, Sweden

Forward: Ryan Leonard, USA

Forward: Jakub Stancl, Czechia

Forward: Gabe Perreault, USA

Most Valuable Player: Ryan Leonard, USA