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 on July 15, 2026. The American squad quickly silenced any doubts with a strong start, but faced challenges in the middle of the game that tested their resolve.
The atmosphere was electric at the Grand Casino Arena, as enthusiastic fans chanted “U-S-A” throughout the match. Just five minutes into the game, Teddy Stiga, who scored the golden goal for Team USA last year, narrowly missed a chance to light the lamp. His shot hit the post but set the stage for Max Plante to score the opening goal, further igniting the crowd.
Plante’s goal was one of three scored by the Americans in the first period. Chase Reid, a highly regarded 2026 top draft prospect, doubled the lead, followed by a goal from Will Horcoff, who currently leads the NCAA in goals. The early scoring had the home crowd roaring, and the energy felt akin to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, according to Plante.
“It felt almost like playoffs… the whole crowd is for us,” Plante remarked after the game.
However, Team USA encountered a brief defensive slump, allowing Germany to capitalize with three quick goals within a 14-minute span. Coach Bob Motzko acknowledged the inconsistency, stating, “Your heart is pounding. Bad things happen when you don’t connect the dots.” Germany’s Timo Kose found the net late in the first period, sparking their comeback.
Despite the setback, Team USA regained control in the second period. Following a power play, Will Zellers scored, re-establishing a two-goal cushion. Zellers, who finished the game with two goals and an assist, emphasized the importance of scoring during crucial moments. “A good way to get a big shift is scoring goals,” he said.
As the second period closed, Cole Eiserman added another goal for Team USA, providing a critical boost after a stellar defensive effort from Germany’s goaltender, Lennart Neisse.
In the final period, Team USA dominated, outshooting Germany 15-4, showcasing their improved defensive play. Goaltender Caleb Heil starred in net, stopping 18 of 21 shots and making key saves to maintain the lead. Motzko noted the need for continued growth, stating, “You want to take steps, clean up some of the things we did.”
Looking ahead, Team USA will return to the ice on July 16 at 5 p.m. against Switzerland, who had a day off on July 15. The coaching staff will evaluate the team’s performance to determine the starting goaltender for the upcoming match.
As Team USA aims for a historic third straight championship, their resilience and ability to handle pressure will be put to the test. Fans can expect more thrilling action as the tournament progresses.
