The U.S. National Junior Team was victorious over Slovakia in the first of two pre-tournament games at the World Junior Championship in Ottawa Saturday.
The 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship in Ottawa, Ontario is finally here. While official tournament play doesn’t begin until Dec. 26, pre-tournament games have gotten underway.
The USHL once again has a strong presence, with over 40 current or former players representing nine countries. On the U.S. Team, 23 of the 25 players are USHL alumni including 19 from USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program (NTDP).
Friday marked the final practice for Team USA at the Invista Center In Kingston. On Saturday, the team played its first of two pre-tourney contests, handing Slovakia a 6-2 loss at Slush Puppie Place. U.S. Team captain Ryan Leonard, (NTDP) scored two goals and added an assist, while fellow NTDP alum Cole Hutson contributed with three assists in the win.
Team USA jumped out to a 2-0 first-period lead. Former Madison Capitol Austin Burnevik got the party started, putting in a shot from the side of the left circle at the 10:18 mark. Burnevik was assisted by former Fargo and Youngstown Phantom Brandon Svoboda and Logan Hensler, who played for NTDP.
With 12 seconds left in the opening frame, Leonard increased the U.S. lead to 2-0, rifling a wrister between the circles and past Slovakia goaltender Alan Lend’ Ak. Former NTDP players Gabe Perreault and Cole Hutson picking up helpers.
Slovakia would score their first goal in the second period, but the U.S. added two more of their own. James Hagens (NTDP) tallied a goal with assists from Leonard and Teddy Stiga (NTDP). Leonard then added his second of the night with help from Perreault and Aram Minnetian.
Team USA would add its final two goals in the third period, one from former TriCity Storm forward Trevor Connelly and the other from Danny Nelson, another NTDP alum.
The U.S. now moves to Cornwall, Ont. for its final pre-Tournament matchup against Finland Monday afternoon. Puck drop is scheduled for 4 Pm ET.