Team USA loses in the World Junior Quarterfinals to Finland
Canada routs Slovakia to advance to the semifinals
Team USA got a late goal from Michigan State freshman Ryker Lee, but lost in overtime to Finland in the quarterfinals of the World Junior Championship.
The U.S. had won the gold medal in the last two World Junior tournaments. This year’s team won its first three games, before falling to Sweden on New Year’s Even to place second in its group.
Boston University defenseman Cole Hutson, who was stretchered off the ice of the team’s third game, returned to the lineup and had an outstanding game, showing no ill effects. He scored the game’s opening goal, and assisted on one by BU teammate Cole Eiserman.
“I don’t want to really comment too much on what [the injury] was but it wasn’t good, I can tell you that,” Hutson said. “I rushed myself back but didn’t do enough to help the team win. I don’t have a gold medal around my neck.
“I could have scored a goal in overtime. Could have done plenty of things better.”
Minnesota Duluth forward Max Plante was also injured and missed the last two games. Team USA coach Bob Motzko said after the game that Plante likely could have made a return if the U.S. had advanced.
“We were this close from playing a perfect game, but that’s sports. It rips your bloody heart out when you’re in a situation like that,” U.S. coach Bob Motzko said. “Give credit to Finland. One thing about Finns, they never change. Down or up, they play the same way, and they got their sticks on a puck and the game changed.”
On further injury news, Denver forward Brendan McMorrow broke a finger during the game when blocking a shot.
North Dakota’s Will Zellers led the tournament for Team USA with 5 goals and 8 points in the 5 games. Boston College’s James Hagens had 2-5—7, and Minnesota’s Brodie Ziemer, who was also captain, had 1-5—6.
Harvard forward Heikki Ruohonen scored Finland’s first goal of the game.
Finland will play Sweden in the semifinals at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul on Sunday (4:30 p.m. ET; NHLN, TSN).
Canada 7, Slovakia 1
Canada wasted little time asserting control, scoring five goals in the first period to cruise past Slovakia.
Porter Martone (Michigan State) finished with a goal and an assist for the Canadians, while Cole Reschny (North Dakota) also found the back of the net. In goal, Jack Ivankovic (Michigan) turned aside 21 shots.
Canada will face Czechia in the semifinals Sunday night (8:30 p.m. ET; NHL Network, TSN), marking the third straight season the two nations have met in the playoff round.
“I think ever since that day (the loss to Czechia in 2025 quarterfinals), I look back and I get another chance to play at the World Juniors. It’s gold medal or nothing,” Martone said. “I’m really excited. That group is really excited, and we’ve got our hands full. We’re going to have a tough opponent in Czechia, but we’re ready for the challenge.”