While there hasn't been any hockey action from our National Hockey League here in the U.S. due to the lock-out, American players—including one from Elmhurst—were in Ufa, Russia, on Saturday, Jan. 5, capturing the Gold at the International Federation World Junior Hockey Championship.

It was an  exciting night for Elmhurst native Garret Sparks, who is a goal-tender for the US team. He simply Tweeted "No words," along with this photo on Saturday.

The U.S. National Junior Team defeated Sweden 3-1 for the title, marking the third time the U.S. has won the championship in the last four years, according to the USA World Juniors website.

The 19-year-old Sparks, who is in his third season with the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League, is the son of Mike and Lisa Sparks.

Read about the USA victory here.

Learn more about Sparks in this November article on Yahoo Sports.