Team USA Dominates Slovakia with 9-0 Win in U18 World Championship Opener

In less than a minute into the middle frame, Team USA’s top line collaborated for another goal. This time, Teddy Stiga from Sudbury, Mass scored after Ziemer fed Hagens into the attacking zone. Hagens drew both defenders towards the center, leaving a drop-pass for Stiga who scored far side to give Team USA a 4-0 lead.

Defenseman John Whipple from Minnetonka, Minn added another goal for the U.S with a wrist shot from the left dot with 5:18 left in the period. Eiserman drew the puck back to Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen from Northville, Mich who left it for his D-partner Whipple, who skated in and deposited the shot far-side.

Hagens scored another goal for Team USA with a highlight-reel tally late in the period after a beautiful offensive-zone passing display. Ziemer found Stiga stationed between the hashes from the goal line and went no-look, behind-the-back to Hagens, whose quick one-timer made it 6-0 after two periods.

Christian Humphreys from Pittsburgh, Pa scored his first of the tournament at 7:18 of the third on a tic-tac-toe sequence set up from Trevor Connelly from Manhattan Beach, Calif and Hutson. Eiserman added his second goal with 10:02 to play and completed the hat-trick late to cap the game’s 9-0 final.

Kempf kept the zero on the board throughout the game to complete his IIHF debut with a shutout. Team USA will play against Norway on Saturday, April 27 at 5:30 p.m. local / 10:30 a.m. ET, live on NHL Network.

James Hagens was named Team USA’s Player of the Game with two goals and two assists. The U.S. went 1-3 on the power play and was 1-1 on the penalty kill. Team USA outshot Slovakia 35-24. Team USA is back in action Friday, April 27 against Norway at 10:30 a.m. ET on NHL Network.