The United States laid waste to Slovakia by a 10-2 count in the battle for the top spot in Group B at the 2024 World Junior Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Rutger McGroarty notched a hat trick and Gavin Brindley and Isaac Howard each scored twice in the rout.
In addition to claiming first place in its group, Team USA (11 points) will be the number one seed going forward as the tournament enters the knockout stage, thanks in part to Finland’s 5-4 shootout win over Sweden, which had already clinched Group A.
In other action on Sunday, Canada doubled up Germany 6-3, sending the Germans to the relegation game, where they face Norway, and Czechia beat Switzerland 4-2 to take third place in Group B.
The Quarterfinals, which will be played on Tuesday look like this:
- Slovakia (B2) vs. Finland (A3) 6 a.m.
- Canada (A2) vs. Czechia (B3) 8:30 p.m.
- United States (B1) vs. Latvia (A4) 1 p.m.
- Sweden (A1) vs. Switzerland (B4) 3:30 p.m.
Honing in on the two Panthers prospects playing in tournament, Latvia’s Sandis Vilmanis scored two goals and added an assist during the four group stage games. He’s registered 13 shots on goal and sports a minus-four rating.
Defenseman Marek Alscher of Czechia also appeared in all four games for his team and has accumulated 4 PIM and an even rating.
Just want to wish all LBC readers and their families a very Happy New Year! All the best in 2024!