UPDATE: Team USA has kicked off its bid for a third consecutive gold medal with a commanding 6-3 victory over Germany in the opening game of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul. The atmosphere was electric, with U.S. fans erupting in chants as Max Plante set the tone early in the match.
Just 5:30 into the first period, Teddy Stiga aimed for the net, but his shot hit the post. The puck rebounded to Plante, who scored, igniting the crowd. “It felt almost like playoffs… it was unbelievable,” Plante expressed after the game. Team USA quickly established dominance, scoring three goals in the first period.
Plante’s goal was soon followed by a strike from Chase Reid, a top prospect for the 2026 draft, and then from Will Horcoff, who leads the NCAA with 19 goals. As “Freebird” rang through the arena, the American players celebrated, showing their prowess on the ice.
However, after taking a 3-0 lead, Team USA faced a momentary lapse in defense. Germany capitalized, scoring three goals within 14 minutes, tightening the game significantly. “That’s what you get with all-star teams… your heart is pounding,” lamented USA coach Bob Motzko, reflecting on the team’s struggles during that stretch.
As Germany pulled within a goal, Team USA needed a spark. The answer came from a strong push by Plante’s line, leading to Will Zellers scoring, which shifted the momentum back to the Americans. Zellers ended the night with two goals and an assist, showcasing his resilience after being left off the initial roster.
Late in the second period, Cole Eiserman added another goal, pushing the lead further. “We started breathing again,” Motzko noted, emphasizing the importance of offensive responses during pressure moments.
The third period saw Team USA outshoot Germany 15-4, solidifying their defensive game. Goaltender Caleb Heil stopped 18 of 21 shots, ensuring the victory amid the team’s earlier struggles. As the tournament progresses, Motzko indicated that the coaching staff will assess Heil’s performance to determine the starting goalie for the next game against Switzerland, scheduled for 5 p.m. on December 28.
“Now we want to see how we respond… clean up some of the things we did,” Motzko stated, focusing on improvement as the team continues its championship journey.
With their victory, Team USA sends a strong message to the rest of the tournament. The excitement builds as fans eagerly anticipate their next game, hoping to see more thrilling performances as the quest for gold continues.
