Will Zellers scored twice and added an assist as the United States beat Germany 6-3 in both team’s opening game of the World Junior Championships on Friday

William Horcoff (Pittsburgh Penguins) extended the lead to 3-0 on a shot from the slot at 15:55 of the first. James Hagens (Boston Bruins) made the play happen with a check behind Germany's net to free the puck to Brodie Ziemer (Buffalo Sabres) at the bottom of the left circle. Horcoff then finished the play off a pass from Ziemer.

Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Will Horcoff scored in Team USA's opening game in the World Juniors against Germany on Friday and helped the United States win 6-3.

Newburyport native and Boston University forward Cole Eiserman added a goal as well to help the United States win.

Eklund, who the Islanders drafted in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft (16th overall), tallied a goal in the win, marking his third career goal in the World Juniors after he recorded six points (2G, 4A) through seven games of the tournament last year.

It didn't take long for Washington Capitals prospect Cole Hutson to make his mark in his first game back playing on the international stage. The rising defenseman put on a show en route to Team USA's 6-3 victory over Team Germany in their first game of the 2026 World Juniors, as he picked up two assists and a plus/minus rating of plus-5.

The 10-team field is divided into two groups of five. Every team plays every other team in its group once in round-robin play. The top four teams from each group advance to single-elimination bracket play. The gold medal game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 5, at Grand Casino Arena.