If you’re a fan of Team USA and the World Junior Championship, get used to seeing the names James Hagens, Gabe Perreault and Ryan Leonard being called frequently.
The former NTDP standouts and current members of the NCAA’s Boston College Eagles have a lot of familiarity with each other. That chemistry was evident in Team USA’s 10-4 rout of Germany in the preliminary round of the 49th IIHF World Junior Championship in Ottawa.
Hagens and Perreault each had two goals and two assists, while former NTDP blueliner Cole Hutson had a whopping five helpers.
Team USA had several opportunities to score in the first period, outshooting the German squad 15-6.
Hagens got his team on the scoreboard first at 8:07, putting in a loose puck top shelf after German goaltender Nico Pertuch got turned around in the crease. Germany challenged for goalie interference, but the goal was upheld.
Perreault increased the U.S. lead to 2-0 later in the period. At 11:56, Hagens got the puck off a Leonard rebound and set up Perreault at the hash marks. Perreault zipped a shot over Pertuch’s glove for the score.
The Americans made it 3-0 just 1:38 into the second period. Former Tri-City Storm and NTDP forward Trevor Connelly put in a Cole Eiserman rebound on a give-and-go rush.
Germany fought back, getting two unanswered goals in the frame. The first came at the 5:00 mark from Julius Sumpf on a power-play opportunity. Sumpf put one under the left arm of former NTDP goaltender Trey Augustine, who was playing in his third WJC.
The second goal for the Germans came on a controversial play. German forward David Lewandowski intercepted a pass at center ice right after stepping back onto the ice from an interference penalty. Lewandowski crossed the blue line and sent one far down on Augustine.
Team USA head coach David Carle challenged the goal for potential offside, but to no avail.
Just when it looked like Germany was poised for an upset, Hagens struck again for his second of the game for a 4-2 lead. The top-rated center beat Pertuch stick side for a 4-2 U.S. lead.
With 1:20 remaining in the middle frame, former Fargo Force and Youngstown Phantom Brandon Svoboda pushed Team USA’s lead to 5-2 after putting in a rebound.
Just before the period ended, Perreault notched his second of the day for a 6-2 advantage.
The third period was no less exciting, with six goals scored between the two teams. Another NTDP alum, Brodie Ziemer, chipped in with a pair of goals. Carey Terrance and Cole Eiserman (NTDP) each added a tally to round out Team USA’s scoring. Germany got a goal apiece from Lenny Boos and Timo Ruckdaschel.
Team USA has now won 14 of 15 meetings with Germany all-time in the World Juniors, including nine straight with Thursday’s victory.
While Augustine didn’t have his best game in net, he stopped 18 shots and thwarted several attempts by Germany to get back in the game. Plus, he had plenty of support from his team’s offense.
The defending WJC champions will have a day off before their next game against Latvia on Saturday at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa. Germany, meanwhile, gets right back to work Friday against a tough Finland squad.