USA secures Group A with a clinical 4-1 win Over Canada

Canada - USA 1-4

Trey Augustine was the backbone for the Americans, delivering a masterclass in goaltending with 38 saves on 39 shots, earning him Player of the Game honors. Cole Hutson and Cole Eiserman led the way offensively with a goal and an assist each, while Ryan Leonard sealed the win with an empty-netter.

The game revolved around special teams, with the U.S. converting on 3 of 7 power plays while limiting Canada to just 1 goal on 3 opportunities.

Hutson opened the scoring at 13:02 of the first period on a power play, snapping a precise shot past Canada’s Carter George. Despite outshooting the U.S. 11-5 in the first period, Canada struggled to convert their chances, a theme that persisted throughout the game.

Canada entered the third period on a power play and finally broke through at 1:58 when Bradly Nadeau blasted a one-timer past Augustine to tie the game 1-1. However, their momentum was short-lived as another penalty led to Danny Nelson restoring the U.S. lead at 4:22 with a power-play goal.

Eiserman added a third power-play goal midway through the final frame with a pinpoint wrist shot, and Leonard's empty-net goal at 18:08 sealed the 4-1 result.

The game marked the 50th meeting between the North American rivals at the World Juniors and the 12th time they faced off on New Year’s Eve. The U.S. now holds a slight edge in recent history, with four wins in the traditional holiday matchup.

For Canada, the loss highlighted their struggles in the preliminary round, where they scored just 10 goals, their second-lowest total in tournament history. Carter George, solid in goal with 24 saves, lamented the team’s inability to stay disciplined.

With the win, the U.S. earns a favorable quarterfinal matchup against Switzerland, while Canada, finishing third in Group A, will face a tough test against Czechia.

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