Following up on my recent post, the young players at this year’s tournament definitely started off well on opening day yesterday. Team Canada’s Gavin McKenna (’26 DE) opened the scoring in a 4-0 victory over Team Finland. McKenna’s teammate Matthew Schaefer (’25 DE) assisted on his goal, and added an empty-netter to seal the win. Additionally, Team USA’s James Hagens (’25 DE) garnered 4 points (2G 2A) in a 10-4 victory over Team Germany.
Not to be outdone by the youngsters, three-time WJC veteran and Detroit prospect Axel Sandin-Pellikka of Team Sweden also totaled 4 points (3G 1A) in a 5-2 victory over Slovakia. In keeping with the theme of offensive defenseman, Team USA’s Cole Hutson (WSH 2024, 2nd round 42nd overall) had 5 assists in its win against Germany.
Play resumed today with a 2-1 Slovakia win over Switzerland earlier, with the outcome of three more games to be determined.