Team USA came out flying and never looked back in their 7-2 quarterfinal win over Switzerland, as the reigning World Juniors champions secured a spot in the medal round.
It didn’t take long for the U.S. to strike, as Brandon Svoboda (SJ) opened the scoring just 5:10 into the game. Max Plante (DET) made a strong push to the net, surrounded by three Swiss defenders, but lost the puck behind him. Svoboda quickly followed the play, taking the loose puck and firing a low shot that slid weakly past Swiss goalie Christian Kirsch’s five-hole. It wasn’t the prettiest goal, but it was a sign of things to come.
In comes James Hagens. On a crisp forecheck, Brodie Ziemer (BUF) forced a turnover in the right corner, and Oliver Moore (CHi) fed a slick pass to a cutting Hagens. The Minnesota native and 2025 projected first overall pick in the NHL Draft made a quick lateral cut, stopping on a dime with a perfect backhand-to-forehand move that completely fooled Kirsch, putting the USA up 2-0. Hagens was in the right place at the right time, using his quick hands to make a beautiful play.
Captain Ryan Leonard, a Washington Capitals prospect, made it 3-0, completing the 4:56 barrage. After Switzerland gave up a soft turnover, Leonard took advantage with his speed, protecting the puck with a strong top hand and skating around a defender before elevating the puck over Kirsch’s shoulder.
Seeking to change the temperature, Switzerland pulled Kirsch in favor of Elijah Neuenschwander, and it worked. The Swiss got on the board as Leo Braillard danced around USA’s Zeev Buium (MIN), setting up a shorthanded chance that resulted in an offensive zone. Off the ensuing draw, Nils Rhyn deflected a puck past USA’s Hampus Slukynsky (LAK), giving his boys life.
Team USA responded quickly, breaking through the Swiss defense like a hot knife through butter. A smooth transition saw Moore feed Danny Nelson (NYI), who redirected the puck into the net for a 4-1 lead. Moore’s patience and ability to drag his right skate and keep the play onside while bobbling the puck across the blue line created a diversion for a wide-open Nelson for the finish.
Defensively, 2025 draft prospect Logan Hensler shined for the Americans, consistently getting in lanes, blocking shots, and being a menace on the forecheck. However, there were signs of sloppiness late in the period as the USA tried to force things. The Swiss nearly capitalized on failed clears and turnovers, including a strong net drive by Andro Kaderli that hit the post. Thankfully, Slukynsky was there to bail out his teammates and keep the score at 4-1 after 20 minutes.
The boys in red, white, and Blue puts the Swiss in their place throughout the middle frame. It started with Buium, who combined beautifully with Gabe Perreault in a smooth give-and-go that Buium quickly socked. Hagens struck again to make it 6-1, as Adam Kleiber (BUF) made a clever poke to Hagens, who set up Perreault for another gorgeous give-and-go. Hagens finished it precisely, for the Boston College star’s second on the night, with Perreault racking up his second of three assists.
Neuenschwander tried to keep Switzerland in it, but Ryan Leonard had other ideas. The USA captain was parked in front and lifted the puck with perfect timing on a slick power-play feed to make it 7-1. Tic-tac-toe plays were the theme of the afternoon, with Buium, Hagens, and Perreault connecting yet again to set up Leonard in the slot for another beauty. It was elite-level hockey all around, and the USA’s transition game was nothing short of breathtaking.
Leonard was everywhere. Sure, his linemates were lighting up the scoresheet, but the Washington Capitals prospect did the dirty work. He was physical, battled in front, and opened scoring lanes for his teammates. And even after taking a puck to the face, he didn’t miss a shift.
Switzerland had its moments in the third, with Rico Gredig (NYR) showing off some slick hands and a power-play goal from Andro Kaderli, making it 7-2. Yet the contest felt academic by that point.
The United States is off to the semifinals for the third straight year. With performances like this, it’s hard not to get excited about what’s next for this team as they chase repeat Gold.