USA powers its way to victory over Germany in world junior championship opener

The forward line of James Hagens, Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perrault led the offensive outburst with a combined nine points.

Published Dec 26, 2024  •  1 minute read

Brandon Svoboda of the United States celebrates his goal in the second period of Thursday's game against Germany at Canadian Tire Centre. Photo by Minas Panagiotakis /Getty Images

If the Canadians are going to achieve their ultimate goal at the 2025 world junior hockey championship, they’ll have to figure out a way to dim the U.S.A.’s power line.

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It was plugged in and shining bright for Thursday’s tournament opener against Germany at Canadian Tire Centre.

The unit of James Hagens, a potential first-overall pick in the 2025 National Hockey League draft, and 2023 first-rounders Ryan Leonard (selected eighth by the Washington Capitals) and Gabe Perrault (23rd by the New York Rangers) set the tone in a 10-4 victory before a large (13,017) and pro-Germany crowd in the afternoon tilt that preceded Canada’s opening showdown with Finland.

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German goaltender Nico Pertuch makes a pad save in the first period against the U.S. Photo by Minas Panagiotakis /Getty Images

Hagens lived up to his billing with two goals — including the game’s first off a goal-mouth scramble — and added a pair of assists, while Perrault matched his output by scoring twice and chipping in with two helpers.

Leonard had one assist to give the line nine points overall.

The Americans had a 3-0 lead after the first period, but Germany closed the gap, much to the delight of the fans. But Hagens pulled the Americans back in front by two with a wicked shot from the high slot, and the defending gold-medal winners never looked back.

Haggens, Perrault and Leonard are also teammates with the Boston College Eagles.

Hagens, 5-10, 176-pounder from Long Island, N.Y., has five goals and 20 points in 16 games this season, while Leonard, from Northampton, Mass., has 12 goals and seven assists.

Perrault, who has dual citizenship after being born in Sherbrooke, Que., has seven goals and 16 assists this year.

He is the son of former NHLer Yanic Perrault.

Gabe Perreault (34) of the United States celebrates his goal with James Hagens (12) in the first period of Thursday’s game against Germany. Photo by Minas Panagiotakis /Getty Images

The 18-year-old Hagens is described as a “cerebral tactician” who relies on great hockey sense and vision, a speedster with impressive acceleration and mobility, and a two-way centre who is reliable in all situations.

He checked all those boxes on Thursday.

Cole Hutson, the younger brother of Montreal Canadiens defenceman Lane Hutson, had five assists for the Americans.

USA outshot Germany 55-26.

Timo Ruckdäschel (10) of Germany tries to protect the puck against defensive pressure by Aram Minnetian (14) of the United States in the second period. Photo by Minas Panagiotakis /Getty Images

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