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.

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

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 Washington Capitals have six prospects playing in the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, which begins today and will run through Jan. 5, 2026, in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. Capitals prospects Cole Hutson (USA),