EDMONTON, Alberta – Chicago Blackhawks prospect Wyatt Kaiser and Detroit Red Wings hopeful Carter Mazur each scored twice as the United States beat Austria 7-0 on Saturday to improve to 3-0 in group stage of the world junior hockey championship.
Team USA had seven players who scored two points while racking up 56 shots at the net, a tournament record, in the easy win.
Matt Coronato, Red Savage and Sasha Pastujov also scored for the defending American champion. Andrew Oke stopped 11 shots in the first two periods, and Remington Keopple made four saves in the third. Both netminders were making their Team USA debut.
“We knew we had to start well today,” said USA coach Nate Leaman. “Our schedule was different today and it was important for us to adjust quickly. I’m happy with the way the team started the first period and continued to race.”
“A quick start is something we really focus on,” he said. “You really want to get to the other team and have the advantage. I feel like if we do that every game we’re in a good place. And I liked how we kept our game. How bringing that into our next game against Sweden will be a very difficult challenge, but I think we are ready for it.”
The USA will finish their Group B game on Sunday against Sweden.
In a night game, Canada beat the Czech Republic 5-1 and improved to 3-0 in Group A. Anaheim Ducks captain Mason McTavish scored twice; Kent Johnson added a lacrosse-style goal as well as an assist; Greig Ridly and Tyson Foerster scored; and Dylan Garand made 22 saves.
McTavish, the third overall pick in the 2021 NHL draft, has six goals and 10 points to lead the tournament in scoring.
Martin Rysavy scored for the Czech Republic in the defeat.
In the last game of the day, Germany beat Switzerland 3-2 in Group B.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.