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2026 IIHF World Junior Championship

World Juniors: USA Escaped Switzerland By A Goal After Back And Forth Slog

World Juniors: USA Escaped Switzerland By A Goal After Back And Forth Slog

Team USA took on Switzerland in their second game of the 2026 WJC. Read the game recap, watch scoring highlights and more on FloHockey.

Dec 28, 2025 by Andy Schamma
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Team USA's journey to a potential third Gold medal in a row at the World Juniors Championship continued on Saturday, December 27 with their second of four preliminary round games—this time, Switzerland was the target.

The red, white, and blue kicked off their tournament with a win over Germany on Friday night, running away with a 6-3 lead late in the second period. 

The Germans put up a good fight, closing the gap from 3-0 to just a single goal before Cole Hutson made a beautiful seam pass to Cole Eiserman with speed towards the net to score and regain the three-goal lead.

Switzerland's journey was yet to begin, opening their tournament play against the Americans in Grand Casino Arena. The last time the two faced off, USA defeated the Swiss with relative ease, taking a 7-2 victory in the 2025 WJC quarterfinals before going on to defeat Czechia and Finland.

Team USA took on Switzerland in their second game of the 2026 WJC. Read the game recap, watch scoring highlights and more on FloHockey.

Final: USA Escapes Switzerland By A Goal, Minds Remain On Hutson

It came down to the final moments for Team USA to secure their second win and add three more points in the 2026 World Juniors round robin portion of the tournament.

Switzerland fell after 60 minutes of trying to sieze the game's momentum against what was a heavily favored Team USA. They held strong with a lot of impressive play by goaltender Kirsch (SJS). Kempf was fantastic for the Americans between the pipes allowing only one goal, although only 17 total shots made it through.

Will Zellers continued his strong performance while Ziemer's goal broke the scoreless streak after the first 21 minutes.

Switzerland Pours On Pressure With Empty Net - 2:15 3rd

USA 2, SUI 1

Switzerland's offense struggled to find a rhythm as time wound down on the Saturday evening game. Shots remained low for both sides, less than 20 for each.

With less than two minutes remaining, Kirsch left the net to add an attacker for SUI.

As they got set up with under a minute, Muggli passed it to Steiner who ripped the puck into the crossbar and up into the netting. Timeout called for Switzerland.

Pace Picks Up At Halfway Point Of Third, SUI Power Play - 9:55 3rd

USA 2, SUI 1

Switzerland took control of the middle of the ice as the game started reaching the latter stages. Stamina was starting to play a factor and Switzerland started launching pucks to the net more often, calling on Kempf to make five more stops.

Neuenschwander drew a penalty on Barnett for holding his stick but they weren't able to make it happen.

Shots on goal:

  • USA - 14
  • SUI - 10

Plante Hit Up High, USA Goes Back On Power Play - 17:52 3rd

USA 2, SUI 1

Roughing was called on Robin Antenen after he clashed with Max Plante in the neutral zone to give the USA another attempt at the man-advantage, their 4th of the game.

The first play resulted in a Horcoff shot at the backdoor that was launched by Zellers, but Kirsch stretched across to make the save before the puck was cleared out of the zone.

They weren't able to make it happen despite the one good chance from Zellers and Horcoff.

USA vs Switzerland Enters Final Frame - 20:00 3rd

USA 2, SUI 1

USA started the period with 90 seconds of power play as they try to secure a three-point win in regulation against Switzerland. They weren't able to get anything going and the lead remained at one.

End of 2nd: Energy Wanes After Hutson Leaves Ice, USA Leads By 1

USA 2, SUI 1

It's been a close game of 5-on-5 for these two teams. With just moments remaining in the second frame, USA went on the man-advantage.

Switzerland's Ludvig Johnson was called for a delay of game penalty which gave Hagens, Plante, and Eiserman a final chance at the net before the horn. They weren't able to convert and will get more than a minute of 5-on-4 when they return from the intermission.

Will Zellers Scores Third In Two Games For Lead - 5:14 2nd

USA 2, SUI 1

It was a simple play but all it took was a beautifully placed shot by Will Zellers over Kirsch's right shoulder to bounce off the crossbar and go in for the lead.

Cole McKinney helped him through the neutral zone and to get the puck past the Swiss defense.

Shots on goal:

  • USA - 13
  • SUI - 8

Switzerland Scores Their Own Bar-Down, Tied At 1 - 8:00 2nd

USA 1, SUI 1

Switzerland was able to create traffic out front and block Kempf to put their first goal on the board. Basile Sansonnens ripped the shot with the assist from Joel Grossniklaus and Lars Steiner.

Sansonnens (VAN) tucked it right in to the top right corner above Kempf's glove and into the bar before hitting the back of the net. There appeared to be an official review. 

After a short delay, the commentators let viewers know that Hutson was taken to the hospital via ambulance and they needed to wait for a replacement vehicle.

During the delay, a referee took a tumble drawing the attention of the crowd. The goal stands.

Cole Hutson Takes Puck Up High During Swiss Rush - 8:59 2nd

USA 1, SUI 0

Mottard took a nice backhand chance on a driving move towards Kempf. 

Two rushes later from Switzerland and USA's Cole Hutson fell to the ice after taking a shot up high. They brought the stretcher out to move him off the ice. He was shown moving his legs.

USA Looks More Comfortable At Halfway Point - 10:22 2nd

USA 1, SUI 0

With the goal on the board and after finding their rhythm, Team USA is doing a much better job defending against Switzerland. SUI has only added two more shots on goal in the last ten minutes.

Great chances the other way have also been limited.

Brodie Ziemer Beats Kirsch To Put USA On The Board - 18:48 2nd

USA 1, SUI 0

It all started with a great transition in the neutral zone by the Americans. Hagens was perfectly placed entering the zone to drag the puck through the slot and drop it back to Brodie Ziemer behind who scored, bar-down, the first goal of the game.

Oh, and if you're wondering, Latvia just tied it up with Canada with two minutes remaining in the third and now they're off to overtime. Here's the clip:

2nd Period Is Live On USA vs Switzerland - 19:36 2nd

USA 0, SUI 0

Into the middle frame as USA and Switzerland look for their first goal after a wash of a period to open the game.

End of 1st: USA vs Switzerland Scoreless After 20

USA 0, SUI 0

That's all for the first twenty minutes of USA vs Switzerland in the 2026 WJC. The focal point so far has been Teddy Stiga, moving his feet and using his speed to create space for his teammates. His efforts have led to USA's best chances so far but Swiss goalie Christian Kirsch was rock solid between the pipes.

Adding to the struggle, USA shot past the goal 8 times.

Although only tested four times, Nick Kempf is holding strong despite a somewhat lackluster opening from USA on the defensive end.

16-year old Jonah Neuenschwander has been one to watch for Switzerland already.

Shots on goal:

  • USA - 8
  • SUI - 4

Switzerland Gets Late 1st Period Power Play - 2:52 1st

USA 0, SUI 0

Logan Hensler (OTT) was called for holding on the Swiss attacker behind Kempf's net to send Switzerland on their first power play of the game.

On the first faceoff, Hutson took it all the way with Hagens for a shorthanded chance but it was stopped.

Robin Antenen had the best look for SUI, cutting back through the slot and throwing up a wrist shot against the grain that was knocked wide. Immediately after, Stiga and Ziemer went at the net for another shorthanded attempt that Kirsch had to collect once again.

Stiga's Speed Creates Another Great Look - 5:22 1st

USA 0, SUI 0

Stiga broke out at top speed, crashing straight towards Kirsch between the Swiss defenders while the puck led him into the zone just at reach. He shoved his stick at the puck to elevate it just before reaching the goaltender but he handled it with ease.

USA Power Play Gets Set Up But Fails To Convert - 6:10 1st

USA 0, SUI 0

Although they showed great movement and puck passing ability, blocks from the SUI penalty kill unit and two saves from Kirsch kept things scoreless.

Shots on goal:

  • USA - 5
  • SUI - 4

Stiga Almost Capitalized On Swiss Turnover, USA On Power Play - 8:30 1st

USA 0, SUI 0

Stiga took the puck from Switzerland on a bad pass in their own zone and was able to find time and space to get a shot onto Kirsch. He tried passing it out to Chase Reid up high who passed it over for a one-timer opportunity by Luke Osburn. Off the rebound, Stiga was hooked to send USA on their first power play of the game.

Kempf Looking Strong Early - 12:07 1st

USA 0, SUI 0

Kempf made four stops in the first eight minutes of the game—including a nice blocker save at point blank range and a blast from Neuenschwander from the dot.

If anything, the Americans look a bit sluggish in their own zone, making a lot of passes through the neutral zone as they try to find the perfect opportunity to push forward.

Spellacy Shows First Good Look While Crashing The Net - 16:36 1st

USA 0, SUI 0

It wasn't until three and a half minutes into the first frame that USA took an aggressive look at Kirsch. L.J. Mooney took the zone and threw a backhand pass across to A.J. Spellacy on the doorstep, but Kirsch was there grab the puck, hugging the post.

Puck Dropped On USA vs Switzerland

Stay tuned for live updates as they drop the puck in Minnesota as USA tries to earn another 3 points while Switzerland hopes to start their 2026 WJC with a statement win over the two-time reigning champions.

Christian Kirsch (SJS) gets the start in the net for SUI while Nick Kempf (WSH) will make his debut for USA.

When Does The Team USA vs Switzerland World Juniors Game Start?

Puck drop for USA vs Switzerland is at 6:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 27.

2026 NHL Draft Prospect Martins Klaucans Gets Game Misconduct vs Canada

Zayne Parekh (CGY) was shaken up after a hit by Klaucans which set up a five minute power play and Canada's first goal of the game, sent by Cole Reschny.

Top Scorers: Team USA In 2026 WJC

Here are Team USA's top scorers so far in the 2026 WJC.

  • Will Zellers, C - 2g, 1a
  • Cole Hutson, D - 0g, 2a
  • A.J. Spellacy, RW/C - 0g, 2a
  • Cole Eiserman, LW - 1g
  • William Horcoff, C - 1g
  • Max Plante, C - 1g
  • Chase Reid, D - 1g

2026 NHL Draft Prospects To Watch At World Juniors

Gavin McKenna, Ivar Stenberg and more: Chris Peters shared his top draft prospects to watch at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. Read the full write-up here.

A few players he listed that will be in today's game:

  • Chase Reid, RHD, USA
  • Lars Steiner, RW, Switzerland

Here's what Chris had to say about Chase Reid:

"It’s unclear how much ice time Reid will get with Team USA, but he plays more than just about any defenseman on a per-game basis in the OHL. The 6-foot-2 right-shot blueliner who ascended from the NAHL to the OHL last season has become one of the most intriguing prospects for this year’s draft. He has skill, skating ability and a nose for the net. USA could use him on their second power-play unit, which is Reid’s ticket to being a regular in the lineup, but he’s a mega talent that should make the most of whatever ice time he is given by Team USA."

How to Watch USA vs Switzerland Hockey World Juniors In Canada, US

All games during 2026 World Juniors tournament will be broadcast live on the NHL Network for viewers in the US. 

The network will air live game telecasts of the World Junior Championships plus analysis, highlights, and interviews about the tournament. Select games will be available on ESPN+.

If you live in Canada, you can watch each game on TSN.

You can also follow along on FloHockey for the latest news throughout the tournament.

Watch The American Hockey League (AHL) Live Free Tonight

FloHockey is offering a free broadcast of the Hartford Wolf Pack vs Bridgeport Islanders in the AHL Game of the Week. Watch live via the link below or on the FloHockey YouTube channel.

Team USA's Cole Hutson Talks About Beating Germany In Front Of Home Fans In World Juniors Opener

Washington Capitals prospect Cole Hutson reflected on his two-assist performance in USA's opening win over Germany at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. Hutson is an alternate captain for Team USA after leading the team in scoring at the tournament last year.

While You Wait: Canada vs Latvia Just Started

Canada and Latvia are locked in a contest that is sure to be one for the books. Canada heads into this match after taking down Czechia, 7-5 on Dec. 26. For Latvia, this will be the team's first on-ice action in Minnesota. Latvia handed Canada one of their losses in the 2025 group stage en route to their early exit in the quarterfinals.

FloHockey Contributor Maddy Mendoza is providing live updates and scoring highlights throughout this afternoon's game.

Last Night: USA Fends Off Germany Rally in 6-3 World Juniors Opening Win

Team USA opened the 2026 World Junior Championship with a 6-3 win over Germany in Saint Paul, powered by a big second period and 47 shots.

FloHockey contributor Amelia Engstrom covered it from start to finish—click here to read through the action and watch the scoring highlights for both teams.

Team USA Projected Lines Tonight vs Switzerland

Forwards

  • Will Horcoff (PIT) - James Hagens (USA) - Brodie Ziemer (BUF)
  • Max Plante (DET) - AJ Spellacy (CHI) - LJ Mooney (MTL)
  •  Will Zellers (BOS) - Cole McKinney (SJS) - Brendan McMorrow (LAK)
  • Teddy Stiga (NSH) - Kamil Bednarik (NYI) - Cole Eiserman (NYI)
  • Ryker Lee (NSH)

Defense

  • Cole Hutson (WSH) - Adam Kleber (BUF)
  • Luke Osburn (BUF) - Chase Reid (2026)
  • Asher Barnett (EDM) - Logan Hensler (OTT)
  • EJ Emery (NYR)

Goalies

  • Nick Kempf (WSH)
  • Caleb Heil (TBL)

Scratches: Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen, Shane Vansaghi, Brady Knowling

Switzerland Projected Lines Tonight vs Team USA

Forwards

  • Jonah Neuenschwander (2027) - Jamiro Reber - Loris Wey
  • Lars Steiner - Joel Grossniklaus - Robin Antenen
  • Cyrill Henry - Mike Aeschlimann - Paul Mottard
  • Nolan Cattin - Nathan Borradori - Beni Waidacher

Defense

  • Daniil Ustinkov - Leon Muggli (WSH)
  • Basile Sansonnens (VAN) - Ludvig Johnson (UTA)
  • Niklas Blessing - Gian Meier
  • Mischa Geisser

Goalies

  • Elijah Neuenschwander (ANA)
  • Christian Kirsch (SJS)

Scratches: Phileas Lachat

USA World Juniors Roster 2026

Forwards

  • Kamil Bednarik, C, Boston University (NYI)
  • Cole Eiserman, LW, Boston University (NYI)
  • James Hagens, C, Boston College (BOS)
  • Will Horcoff, LW, Michigan (PIT)
  • Ryker Lee, RW, Michigan State (NSH)
  • Cole McKinney, C, Michigan (SJS)
  • Brendan McMorrow, RW, Denver (LAK)
  • LJ Mooney, RW, Minnesota (MTL)
  • Max Plante, C/W, Minnesota Duluth (DET)
  • AJ Spellacy, C/W, Windsor Spitfires (CHI)
  • Teddy Stiga, C/W, Boston College (NSH)
  • Shane Vansaghi, LW, Michigan State (PHI)
  • Will Zellers, LW, North Dakota (BOS)
  • Brodie Ziemer, RW, Minnesota (BUF)

Defense

  • Asher Barnett, LHD, Michigan (EDM)
  • EJ Emery, RHD, North Dakota (NYR)
  • Logan Hensler, RHD, Wisconsin (OTT)
  • Cole Hutson, LHD, Boston University (WSH)
  • Adam Kleber, RHD, Minnesota Duluth (BUF)
  • Luke Osburn, LHD, Wisconsin (BUF)
  • Chase Reid, RHD, Soo Greyhounds (2026)
  • Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen, LHD, Michigan

Goalies

  • Caleb Heil, G, Madison Capitols (TBL)
  • Nick Kempf, G, Notre Dame (WSH)
  • Brady Knowling, G, U.S. National Under-18 Team (2026)

Switzerland World Juniors Roster 2026

Forwards

  • Mike Aeschlimann, LW/RW, SCL Tigers
  • Robin Antenen, LW, EV Zug
  • Nathan Borradori, F, HC Ambri-Piotta
  • Nolan Cattin, RW, EHC Biel-Bienne
  • Joel Grossniklaus, C, Malmö Redhawks
  • Kevin Haas, RW/LW, HC Thurgau
  • Cyrill Henry, C, HC Lugano
  • Kimi Körbler, RW, EHC Kloten
  • Paul Mottard, C, Ilves
  • Jonah Neuenschwander, F, EHC Biel-Bienne (2027)
  • Jamiro Reber, C/LW, HV71
  • Lars Steiner, RW, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies
  • Beni Waidacher, C, HC Davos
  • Loris Wey, C/RW, EV Zug

Defense

  • Niklas Blessing, EHC Biel-Bienne
  • Mischa Geisser, EV Zug
  • Ludvig Johnson, Fribourg-Gotteron (UTA)
  • Nik Lehmann, SCL Tigers
  • Gian Meier, Frolunda Goteborg
  • Leon Muggli, Hershey Bears (WSH)
  • Basile Sansonnens, Lausanne HC (VAN)
  • Daniil Ustinkov, ZSC Lions

Goalies

  • Christian Kirsch, G, Kitchener Rangers (SJS)
  • Phileas Lachat, G, Waterloo Black Hawks
  • Elijah Neuenschwander, G, Fribourg-Gotteron (ANA)

2026 World Juniors Scores So Far

It's been an exciting first day of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN. Here are the scores so far:

Friday, Dec. 26

  • Sweden 3 - 2 Slovakia
  • Finland 6 - 2 Denmark
  • USA 6 - 3 Germany
  • Canada 7 - 5 Czechia

Saturday, Dec. 27

  • Slovakia 4 - 1 Germany

2026 World Junior Championship Schedule

View the full schedule below for the Group Stage and playoff rounds of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship in Minnesota. FloHockey will provide free live updates for each USA and Canada game including analysis, scoring summaries, and highlights.

Friday, December 26

  • 1:00 p.m. ET - Sweden 3 - 2 Slovakia
  • 2:30 p.m. ET - Denmark 2 - 6 Finland
  • 6:00 p.m. ET - Germany 3 - 6 USA
  • 8:30 p.m. ET - Czechia vs Canada *Live Updates*

Saturday, December 27

  • 2:00 p.m. ET - Slovakia vs Germany
  • 4:30 p.m. ET - Latvia vs Canada *Live Updates*
  • 6:00 p.m. ET - USA vs Switzerland *Live Updates*
  • 8:30 p.m. ET - Denmark vs Czechia

Sunday, December 28

  • 2:00 p.m. ET - Sweden vs Switzerland
  • 4:30 p.m. ET - Finland vs Latvia

Monday, December 29

  • 1:00 p.m. ET - Germany vs Sweden
  • 3:30 p.m. ET - Finland vs Czechia
  • 6:00 p.m. ET - Slovakia vs USA *Live Updates*
  • 8:30 p.m. ET - Canada vs Denmark *Live Updates*

Tuesday, December 30

  • 2:00 p.m. ET - Switzerland vs Germany
  • 4:30 p.m. ET - Latvia vs Denmark

Wednesday, December 31

  • 1:00 p.m. ET - Switzerland vs Slovakia
  • 3:30 p.m. ET - Czechia vs Latvia
  • 6:00 p.m. ET - USA vs Sweden *Live Updates*
  • 8:30 p.m. ET - Canada vs Finland *Live Updates*

Friday, January 2

  • 12:30 p.m. ET - Relegation Game
  • 2:00 p.m. ET - Quarterfinals Game 1
  • 4:30 p.m. ET - Quarterfinals Game 2
  • 6:00 p.m. ET - Quarterfinals Game 3
  • 8:30 p.m. ET - Quarterfinals Game 4

Sunday, January 4

  • 4:30 p.m. ET - Semifinals Game 1
  • 8:30 p.m. ET - Semifinals Game 2

Monday, January 5

  • 4:30 p.m. ET - Bronze Medal Game
  • 8:30 p.m. ET - Gold Medal Game

IIHF World Juniors Hockey: Past Champions

Here's who won the Gold at the IIHF World Junior Championship since 2000.

  • 2025: United States
  • 2024: United States
  • 2023: Canada
  • 2022: Canada
  • 2021: United States
  • 2020: Canada
  • 2019: Finland
  • 2018: Canada
  • 2017: United States 
  • 2016: Finland
  • 2015: Canada
  • 2014: Finland
  • 2013: United States 
  • 2012: Sweden
  • 2011: Russia
  • 2010: United States
  • 2009: Canada
  • 2008: Canada
  • 2007: Canada
  • 2006: Canada 
  • 2005: Canada
  • 2004: United States
  • 2003: Russia
  • 2002: Russia
  • 2001: Czech Republic
  • 2000: Czech Republic

2026 World Junior Championship Teams

View the list of teams, by group, for the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Group A

  • USA
  • Germany
  • Switzerland
  • Sweden
  • Slovakia

Group B

  • Canada
  • Czechia
  • Latvia
  • Denmark
  • Finland

Follow FloHockey's Coverage Of The 2026 World Junior Championship

FloHockey will be on site for complete coverage of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship in St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota. You can expect game-by-game coverage of both Team USA and Team Canada from FloHockey's experts, interviews with key players and coaches and much more. Follow FloHockey's WJC coverage here.

NHL Prospect Coverage On FloHockey

The best, and most complete, coverage of the NHL minor league hockey and NHL Draft is found on FloHockey. Don't miss the latest new prospect guides, rankings and more from Chris Peters and the FloHockey staff.

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