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2026 IIHF World Junior Championship

USA Completes Comeback Against Slovakia, Wins 6-5

USA Completes Comeback Against Slovakia, Wins 6-5

Here's everything you need to know about USA vs Slovakia in the World Juniors Championship on Monday, Dec. 29. Read the game recap and watch highlights.

Dec 30, 2025 by Andy Schamma
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Team USA took on its third opponent, Slovakia, of the 2026 World Juniors after defeating Germany and Switzerland during the opening weekend in Minnesota.

Elite defender Cole Hutson was not in the lineup after suffering an injury in the previous game, taking a puck near his head during the second period against Switzerland. He was released from the hospital that evening and is now day-to-day.

Team USA recovered, though, completing the 2-1 win over the Swiss on Saturday.

Slovakia's tournament so far has been a success, opening their 2026 WJC with a close 3-2 loss in the debut game vs. Sweden. Top 2026 NHL draft prospect Ivar Stenberg scored the game-winner with just four minutes remaining to hand Slovakia the loss. 

They followed that up with a 4-1 win over Germany on the back of a tournament-leading 34-save (.971 SVS%) game by Detroit Red Wings prospect Michal Pradel.

Here's everything you need to know about USA vs Slovakia at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, MN in the World Juniors Championship on Monday, Dec. 29.

Final: USA Completes Comeback Against Slovakia, Wins 6-5

That's a wrap on another fantastic game of junior hockey—a relatively unexpected back and forth that has proven just how strong the total field of teams are in the 2026 World Juniors championship.

Slovakia put up five goals with huge contributions from Chrenko. Although USA got through six goals, it was on 41 shots—an offensive onslaught that Pradel could still be proud of.

Slovakia Pulls Goalie, Chrenko Nails One - 1:54 3rd

USA 6, SVK 5

Slovakia pulled out all the stops to try to close the deficit. They held it in the offensive zone well enough, but their shots were blocked or deflected—keeping pressure low on Heil until the clock ticked under two minutes.

At 1:54, Chrenko hit his second of the night from the dot on the short side high off the post and past Heil.

Heil Makes Timely Saves In Final 10 Minutes - 7:00 3rd

USA 6, SVK 4

Caleb Heil was called on multiple times as the final frame passed the halfway point. Although the US have a two-goal lead, it still feels like the momentum hangs in the balance and could go any direction as the clock ticks down.

Tomka, Slovakia Slashing Sends USA On PP - 12:40 3rd

USA 6, SVK 4

2 for 4 tonight on the power play and USA gets another shot after a slashing call on Lukas Tomka.

Slovakia killed it off and the offensive momentum continues to lean considerably towards the Americans.

Shots on goal:

  • SVK: 25
  • USA: 39

Spellacy Called For Roughing, Slovakia Power Play Is Killed Off - 15:11 3rd

USA 6, SVK 4

There was some extracurricular activity behind the Slovakian net which sent Spellacy to the penalty box. Kelman, Chovan, Pitka and Misiak were able to get set up in the o-zone but Heil made a great save to settle things down with just 20 seconds left on the kill.

Zellers Scores, Goal Under Review - 15:41 3rd

USA 6, SVK 4

Ziemer passed it to Zellers on the doorstep to give Team USA the two-goal lead and his sixth of the tournament. 

LJ Mooney was a part of the back and forth to force Pradel to commit to the right side and leave the net wide open.

The play was placed under review for kicking but the goal stood. The puck did go in off the skate but only because he was stopping his motion.

USA Get Back To Back Power Plays, Woes Continue - 16:20 3rd

USA 5, SVK 4

A delay of game penalty was called on Adam Goljer shortly after the Hagens goal, USA was unable to convert.

Moments later, Nemec tripped McMorrow to send USA on their 10th power play of the tournament, 4th of this game.

Hagens Again, USA Scores To Open Third - 19:42 3rd

USA 5, SVK 4

To continue exactly where they left off in the second, Team USA secured the lead once again with a second goal from James Hagens less than a minute into the third period.

Chase Reid and Brodie Ziemer were on the assist.

End of 2nd: USA vs Slovakia Tied At 4 After Chaotic Period

Team USA found their footing in the second period, although Slovakia kept up throughout with their own impressive offensive chances and constant pressure towards Caleb Heil—with a little help from a questionable roughing penalty.

Shots on goal:

  • SVK: 18
  • USA: 29

James Hagens Off The Pass To End The Period - 0:45 2nd

USA 4, SVK 4

In the final minute of the period, James Hagens collected the pass from Chase Reid, a light bump pass off a zip to the tape from Stiga on the boards.

Great way to end a very chaotic period to bring things back to even.

Slovakia Scores Goal After Netfront Chaos - 5:16 2nd

USA 3, SVK 4

Michal Svrcek found the puck in a flurry of rebounds, knocking the puck in off of Heil's pad through the five hole to capitalize on the power play.

Chase Reid Called For Roughing, Slovakia Power Play - 6:27 2nd

USA 3, SVK 3

Tobias Tomik went down grasping at his face after Reid caught him up high. The crowd did not appreciate how Tobik hit the ice and the word "embellishment" may have been mentioned on the broadcast, however Slovakia is back on the power play.

Ryker Lee Scores First Power Play To Come Back - 9:00 2nd

USA 3, SVK 3

It was all Ryker Lee with a genius play along the shortside in the circle to draw Pradel's shoulder down so he could sling the puck up at the crossbar. The puck hit the back of the net and the comeback is complete with just short of half of regulation time remaining in this game.

The crowd at Grand Casino Arena is fully engaged with "USA" chants.

Puck Bounces On Goal Line, Called No Goal - 9:30 2nd

USA 2, SVK 3

Fabus and Pradel reached to stop a trickling shot from Plante to open the power play.

Eiserman Taken Down, USA Back On Power Play - 9:45 2nd

USA 2, SVK 3

Michal Liscinsky was called for tripping on Cole Eiserman to put the US back on the power play—their 8th of the tournament.

Shots on goal are now handily in favor of the Americans:

  • SVK: 10
  • USA: 20

McMorrow Strikes Back, Scores Off The Faceoff - 12:27 2nd

USA 2, SVK 3

Even though they loss the faceoff, Spellacy collected the rim-around and sent it into Bednarik in the slot who tried to one-time it into the net. McMorrow found the rebound and elevated it up past the netminder for the goal.

Slovakia Matches With Their Own Shorty - 13:14 2nd

USA 1, SVK 3

Adam Belusko and Andreas Straka broke out on a rush off a turnover in the neutral zone and Belusko shot it blocker side high to beat Heil and earn Slovakia their own short-handed goal.

USA Gets A Power Play But No Dice (0 for 7)- 13:58 2nd

USA 1, SVK 2

Slovakia is called for too many men to send USA on their first power play of the game. USA selects Chrenko to send to the box. They are 0-for-6 on the man-advantage so far.

Looks like they're trying a new setup to see if they can make something happen.

McMorrow to Spellacy For The Shorthanded Goal - 18:10 2nd

USA 1, SVK 2

After a block in their own zone, McMorrow and Spellacy shoot down the ice to try to take advantage of the breakaway.

McMorrow tossed the puck up to Spellacy who just barely reached the puck to tap it in past Pradel via five hole.

Despite Slovakia being on the power play, Team USA's looked their best with multiple chances down at the other end including a Mooney wrap-around that was stopped by Kalman at the post.

Can Team USA Start The Comeback? Slovakia Back On Power Play - 19:15 2nd

USA 0, SVK 2

The second period is underway. Team USA returns to the ice with a big two-goal sized hole to dig themselves out of. To make things even more difficult, Mooney was sent to the box for an interference call to put Slovakia back on the power play.

End of 1st: Americans Try To Push Back, But Still Struggling

USA 0, SVK 2

As the final minutes ticked off the clock into the first intermission, Team USA tried to use their aggression and speed to force the issue closer to Slovakia's netminder.

Sporadic passing through the neutral zone and turnovers by both teams kept the puck ping-ponging back and forth which didn't allow either to get set up in the offensive zone.

Shots on goal have evened out a bit more:

  • SVK: 8
  • USA: 6

Slovakia Gets Comfortable, USA Searching - 5:10 1st

USA 0, SVK 2

As we enter the final minutes of the first period, Slovakia looks far more comfortable than the Americans at this stage. 

Team USA's best chance since Stiga's breakaway came from a Ziemer pass to Hagens whose wrister from the top of the slot bounced off the crossbar and out of play.

Shots on goal:

  • SVK: 7
  • USA: 3

Bednarik To The Box, Chrenko Scores On The Power Play - 8:32 1st

USA 0, SVK 2

Bednarik was called for holding after bringing down one of the Slovaks in the neutral zone.

Chrenko scored his 4th goal of the tournament on Slovakia's first power play vs. USA, beating Heil under the glove from the top of the dot. This comes after Chrenko scored a hat trick against Germany.

And just like that, Slovakia has an unexpected two goal lead.

Teddy Stiga missed a chance at Pradel alone, he missed though, his shot going wide on his third breakaway of the tournament.

Slovakia Gets Rewarded, Pitka Buries It - 11:07 1st

USA 0, SVK 1

Tobias Pitka scored a beautiful goal off the dropback pass by Tobias Tomik to take the first lead over USA in the tournament so far.

Slovakia Mounts Pushback - 14:17 1st

USA 0, SVK 0

After the first few minutes favored the US heavily, Slovakia pushed back to spend the next few minutes in the offensive zone. Misiak, Pobezal, and Radivojevic applied the pressure.

Shots on goal:

  • SVK: 1
  • USA: 2

Spellacy, Zellers, McMorrow Line Back Together - 16:45 1st

USA 0, SVK 0

Spellacy, Zellers and McMorrow are back on the same line together after a break vs. SUI. The three had a productive opening game vs Germany.

Team USA WJC Game 3 vs Slovakia Underway - 20:00 1st

USA 0, SVK 0

Caleb Heil (TBL) starts in net for USA, Michal Pradel (DET) for Slovakia.

Great opening shift for the Americans, spending a full minute in the offensive zone—no shots on goal yet.

USA has won 16 out of 21 games vs Slovakia in the World Juniors.

Down To The Wire: Finland Tied It With 20 Seconds Left, Sends Game To OT

It had been more than two hours since Czechia's first and only goal against Finland came from Matej Kubiesa as the two teams entered the final three minutes of the game. 

The first two periods leaned towards Czechia but Finland surged late, closing down the differential of shots on goal from 11 to just 2.

Finland pulled their goalie as they tried to scrape together a dangerous look at Orsulak. With 50 seconds left, the Czechs were able to clear the puck and make a line change. Another quick clear and the Finnish were feeling desperate. 

With 20 seconds remaining, Leo Tuuva took it to the back door before finding Emil Hemming in the slot to sling the puck bar down into the net and tie it up. Czechia scored the overtime goal to win.

Puck Drop Is Coming Up: Stay Tuned For USA vs Slovakia Live Updates

Things are about to get going at Grand Casino Arena. Stay tuned for the latest information including line adjustments and first period updates.

Caleb Heil (TBL) starts in net for USA, Michal Pradel (DET) for Slovakia.

When is USA vs Slovakia World Juniors on Monday, Dec. 29?

Puck drop is at 6:00 p.m. ET for USA vs Slovakia in the 2026 World Juniors.

Team USA Projected Lines For Tonight vs. Slovakia

Forwards

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

Defense

  • Adam Kleber (BUF) - Logan Hensler (OTT)
  • Luke Osburn (BUF) - Chase Reid (2026)
  • Asher Barnett (EDM) - EJ Emery (NYR)
  • Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen

Goalies

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

Slovakia Projected Lines For Tonight vs. USA

Forwards

  • Tomas Pobezal - Michal Svrcek (DET) - Alex Misiak
  • Jan Chovan (LAK) - Tobias Tomik - Tobias Pitka
  • Samuel Murin - Adam Nemec (2026) - Tomas Chrenko
  • Michal Liscinsky

Defense

  • Andrej Fabus - Luka Radivojevic
  • Michal Capos - Adam Kalman
  • Adam Goljer (2026) - Adam Belusko
  • Filip Kovalcik (2026)

Goalies

  • Michal Pradel (DET)
  • Alan Lendak

USA Escaped Switzerland By A Goal After Back And Forth Slog

Read the game recap and watch highlights from the Team USA's game vs Switzerland in the World Juniors.

"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."

Cole Hutson Will Not Play In Team USA's Game Vs. Slovakia, Still Day-To-Day

Cole Hutson remains day-to-day for Team USA following his injury against Switzerland and will not play against Slovakia at the World Juniors. 

Here's the full write-up by Chris Peters.

Team USA star defenseman Cole Hutson won't play in tonight's game vs. Slovakia after leaving Saturday's game on a stretcher. He is listed as day-to-day and may still return to action before the World Juniors is over.@TerrierHockey | @hockey_east | @eliteprospects #WorldJuniors… pic.twitter.com/Pw9J0Il9Mq

— FloHockey (@FloHockey) December 29, 2025

World Juniors Live Scores

  • Czechia 2 - 1 Finland (OT)

USA's Cole Eiserman Talks About How He Reacted To Best Friend Cole Hutson's Scary Injury

USA's Cole Eiserman shares the fear for his teammate and best friend Cole Hutson as he held his hand while lying motionless on the ice for several minutes before being taken off by a stretcher and to the hospital.

World Juniors 2026 Standings

Here are the current standings after the games on Sunday, Dec. 28.

(Points) W-OTW-OTL-L

Group A

  1. Sweden (9) 3-0-0-0
  2. USA (6) 2-0-0-0
  3. Slovakia (3) 1-0-0-1
  4. Switzerland (0) 0-0-0-2
  5. Germany (0) 0-0-0-3

Group B

  1. Finland (6) 2-0-0-0
  2. Canada (5) 1-1-0-0
  3. Czechia (3) 1-0-0-1
  4. Latvia (1) 0-0-1-1
  5. Denmark (0) 0-0-0-2

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)

Slovakia World Juniors Roster 2026

Forwards

  • Jan Chovan, C/RW, Sudbury Wolves (LAK)
  • Tomas Chrenko, C, HK Nitra
  • Jakub Dubravik, LW/RW, Des Moines Buccaneers
  • Alex Gaso, F, Mountfield HK
  • Michal Liscinsky, F, HC Kosice
  • Alex Misiak, F, Erie Otters
  • Samuel Murin, F, Tri-City Storm
  • Adam Nemec, F, HK Nitra
  • Tobias Pitka, C, Northern Michigan
  • Tomas Pobezal, C, Kingston Frontenacs
  • Andreas Straka, LW/C, Quebec Remparts
  • Michal Svrcek, LW/RW, Vasteras IK (DET)
  • Tobias Tomik, C/RW, Vancouver Giants
  • Lukas Tomka, F, HK Detva

Defense

  • Alam Belusko, LHD, Muskegon Lumberjacks
  • Michal Capos, RHD, Wenatchee Wild
  • Andrej Fabus, LHD, HC Slovan Bratislava
  • Adam Goljer, RHD, HK Dukla Trencin (2026)
  • Adam Kalman, LHD, HC Nove Zamsky
  • Filip Kovalcik, LHD, Drummondville Voltigeurs (2026)
  • Matus Lisy, LHD, Red Deer Rebels
  • Luka Radivojevic, RHD, Boston College

Goalies

  • Roberto Leonardo Henriquez, G, Green Bay Gamblers
  • Alan Lendak, G, Des Moines Buccaneers
  • Michal Pradel, G, Tri-City Storm (DET)

2026 World Juniors Scores So Far

It's been an exciting first weekend 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
  • Canada 2 - 1 Latvia (OT)
  • USA 2 -1 Switzerland
  • Czechia 7 - 2 Denmark

Sunday, Dec. 28

  • Sweden 4 - 2 Switzerland
  • Finland 8 - 0 Latvia

Monday, Dec. 29

  • Sweden 8 - 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 vs Slovakia
  • 2:30 p.m. ET - Denmark vs Finland
  • 6:00 p.m. ET - Germany vs 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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