Jake McCabe, USA, Bring Home World Junior Gold

For the second time in four years, Team U.S.A. is coming home with gold medals around their necks. Behind an outstanding goaltending effort from John Gibson, the American's were able to deposit of the Czech Republic and Canada in the medal round before knocking off Sweden in the gold medal game 3-1 on Saturday morning.

There were plenty of hero's on the American side of things, but team captain--and Wisconsin defenseman--Jake McCabe was one of the stars wearing red, white, and blue the entire tournament. McCabe finished the tournament with three goals and three assists in seven games and carried a team high +9 rating.

For his efforts, the Eau Claire, Wis. native McCabe was named to the All-Tournament team. Other all-tournament team members included Jacob Trouba (USA), John Gibson (USA), John Gaudreau (USA), Filip Forsberg (Sweden), and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (Canada).

After the game McCabe was interviewed on the NHL Network broadcast, and spoke about the commitment to a total team effort.

"Guys fought hard all game, right until the end. Blocking shots, doing whatever it takes to win," McCabe said.

"It's a fantastic feeling, and it couldn't have been done with a better group of guys."

NHL Network analyst EJ Hradek raved about "Captain America" after the gold medal victory for the United States.

"The guy that wears the "C" always carries a little bit of extra pressure, and I think Jake McCabe really handled himself terrifically in this tournament," Hradek said.

"He handled that pressure, ended up with a couple of goals against Canada, big goals in the semi-final game. In the tough, rough areas of the game, Jake McCabe, he led, he blocked shots, helped the penalty kill, terrific tournament from the young guy from the University of Wisconsin."

McCabe is the 21st Wisconsin Badger to earn a medal at the World Junior Championships, and the ninth to bring home the gold. McCabe is also the second Badger captain to capture gold, following in the footsteps of Derek Stepan in 2010.

Wisconsin was also represented on the coaching staff, and in team management. Former Wisconsin player, and assistant coach Mark Osiecki was an assistant coach on this squad, and former UW player Jim Johannson was the general manager of the American squad.

After the game, McCabe tweeted a picture of his medal with a message for those back home.

GOLD! Thanks for everyone's support! #2013WJC #USA twitter.com/McCabe19/statu…

— Jake McCabe (@McCabe19) January 5, 2013

Wisconsin Badgers to play in the WJC

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