UPDATE: Team USA kicked off their quest for a third consecutive gold medal with a decisive 6-3 victory over Germany at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship in St. Paul earlier today. The game featured a thrilling atmosphere, with fans chanting “U-S-A” as the team demonstrated their offensive prowess.
Just five minutes into the game, Teddy Stiga, who scored the golden goal last year, nearly lit the lamp, hitting the post. Moments later, Max Plante found the back of the net, igniting the crowd and setting the tone for the match. “It felt almost like playoffs… the whole crowd is for us,” Plante exclaimed after the game.
Despite an explosive start, Team USA faced challenges as Germany surged back, scoring three goals in just under 14 minutes after falling behind by three. Coach Bob Motzko addressed the defensive lapses, stating, “Your heart is pounding. Bad things happen when you don’t connect the dots.”
The Americans dominated the first period, scoring three goals, including one each from Chase Reid and Will Horcoff, who leads the NCAA in goals this season. However, the momentum shifted as Germany responded with goals from Timo Kose and Simon Seidl, cutting the lead to just one.
“We knew they were going to come out flying,” said Zellers, highlighting Germany’s determination after their earlier loss to Team USA. The turning point came midway through the second period when Zellers scored after a crucial assist from Anthony Spellacy, regaining momentum for the Americans.
As the game progressed, Team USA’s offensive power shone through, with Cole Eiserman scoring late in the second period. The Americans outshot Germany 15-4 in the final period, showcasing their defensive capabilities and solidifying their lead.
Goaltender Caleb Heil made critical saves, stopping 18 of 21 shots faced. Following the game, Motzko confirmed the coaching staff would evaluate today’s performance to determine the starting goalie for their next match against Switzerland on Saturday at 5 p.m.
As Team USA prepares for their upcoming game, the excitement and determination are palpable. “You want to take the steps, clean up some of the things we did,” Motzko stated. The team’s journey continues, and fans eagerly anticipate their next challenge.
Stay tuned for further developments as Team USA aims to maintain their championship momentum!
