Canada, top seeds coming into this International Ice Hockey Federation Championship, were on the point of failing to qualify after losing their first three matches before suddenly hitting their stride.

They were twice behind too in the final at the Arena Riga before recovering to earn their 27^th title – putting them equal at the top of the all-time list with the combined total of the former Soviet Union and Russia.

Mikhael Ruohomaa put Finland ahead after 10 minutes, but Maxime Comtois equalized within five minutes of the second period starting.

The sides went into the third period level, but after 45min 27sec Petteri Lindbohm restored the holders’ lead, only for Adam Henrique to strike seven minutes later to bring it back to 2-2.

That set up the finale, with Paul striking the golden score to signal wild celebrations off and on the ice.

The United States, sixth-seeded in this competition, beat Germany 6-1 in the preceding bronze-medal match at the Arena Riga.

Christian Wolanin put them ahead after five minutes and two goals in the space of two second-period minutes from Conor Garland and Jack Drury effectively decided the contest.

Jason Robertson and Trevor Moore added further goals to send the United States into the third and final period with a 5-0 lead.

Dominik Bittner pulled a goal back for the Germans, but a goal ten minutes from the end by Ryan Donato restored the US margin of victory.

"It just proves how much character guys they really are," said the United States head coach Jack Capuano.

"It was disappointing the other night to lose [to Canada], but we played a great team again here today.”