America Trumps Switzerland to Advance in WJAC

USA had no problems in their contest against Switzerland, winning the quarter-final matchup at the World Junior A Challenge by a score of 9-0.

The Americans needed just 2:41 of play in the first period to score the first goal. After a few chances around the net, Clayton Phillips had an open lane at the point to do as he pleased. His patience paid off, as he waited a few seconds before taking a shot on Beat Trudel, but it worked out as USA took a 1-0 lead early.

The Americans didn’t have that tough of a game on Tuesday against Canada East, while Switzerland had to work hard for a full 65 minutes in an eventual loss to Russia earlier in the day. Unfortunately for the Swiss, they looked tired off the bat, and the Americans made them pay for it. At 7:28 on the power-play, Zach Solow walked in and took one of the hardest slap shots you’ll see at this level of hockey, giving the team in blue the 2-0 advantage. 

With seven minutes left, the Americans found the back of the net for the third time. This time, Hank Crone saw his shot stopped in front of the net, but he was able to retrieve it. From the side of the net, Crone took an odd-angle shot that beat Jaks and in for the 3-0 lead.

Before the first period came to a close, the Americans grabbed the 4-0 lead. With the shots sitting at 17-2 at 16:22, Solow made a great cross-crease pass in front to Brannon McManus, who one-timed it past Trudel and in to cap off a great first period for the Americans.

The Americans showed no remorse for their opponents in red and white. Just 54 seconds into the second period, Alex Green split through two defenders and beat Trudel on the backhand breakaway chance, giving USA the healthy five-goal lead.

The onslaught didn’t stop there. With Alexsander Jaks now in net for the Swiss, USA made it 6-0 after Ethan Frank scored down low. Then, with 7:07 left, USA scored their seventh. From one of the worst angles you can shoot from on the wing, Tarek Baker took an easily stoppable wrist shot that Jaks couldn’t stop, giving USA the 7-0 lead. USA would get two more before it was said and none, as the Americans showed no weaknesses in a 9-0 domination over Switzerland.

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