Team USA In Action Tonight In St. Paul After 2-0 in Pool Play

(Minnesota News Network/St. Paul, MN) — Team USA is 2-0 through the first two pool play games of the 2026 World Juniors Hockey Championships taking place in the Twin Cities.

The U.S. beat Switzerland on Saturday night 2-1 in St. Paul a night after taking care of Germany 6-3 in the first game of the preliminary round.

The Americans have already clinched a birth in the quarterfinals of the tournament with the 2-0 start, but have two more preliminary round games.

Team USA faces Slovakia tonight at 5 PM at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul before taking on Sweden on Wednesday at 5 PM to close out pool play.

Golden Gophers head coach Bob Motzko is leading the U.S. squad, which includes two of his Minnesota players. Forward Brodie Ziemer of Chaska is the team captain, while forward L.J. Mooney is also on the club.

Minnesota-Duluth is represented by forward Max Plante of Hermantown and defenseman Adam Kleber of Chaska.

The U.S. roster also includes Wisconsin defenseman Logan Hensler of Woodbury, Denver forward Brendan McMorrow of Lakeville, North Dakota forward Will Zellers of Maple Grove, and future North Dakota goaltender Caleb Heil of Victoria.