World Junior Championship: Team USA Wins Pre-Tournament Opener

"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas."

As Christmas songs jingle in the minds of hockey fans worldwide, NHL games begin winding down. The Detroit Red Wings play on Monday, December 23, and then have a three-day break before playing the Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday, December 27.

The IIHF 2025 World Junior Championship rolls on elsewhere in the hockey world. Last night, Team USA beat Slovakia 6-2 in pre-tournament action.

Team USA's standout performances, led by Ryan Leonard, Danny Nelson, and Trevor Connelly, helped them win. Leonard scored two goals and added one assist, while Nelson and Connelly each scored a goal and an assist.

Sam Hillebrandt and Hampton Slukynsky split goaltending duties for Team USA. Both were nearly perfect, only letting in a goal each. Trey Augustine did not play.

Red Wings forward prospect Max Plante was one of 14 skaters dressed for the game, but he did not appear on the scoresheet.

There are zero pre-tournament games scheduled on Sunday. Play will resume on Monday, with Team USA facing off against Finland for their second and final game before Boxing Day. Augustine likely plays in net for this game.

It may have only been one game for Team USA, but so far, so good.

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