In the fourth group match of the IIHF U18 World Championship 2026 In Slovakia (Trenčín and Bratislava), the team from U18 national coach Andreas Becherer against the USA 2:11 (1:6, 0:3, 1:2). 1.214 Fans Tobias Krestan and Luis Becker scored for the Vladimir Dzurilla Ice Arena in Bratislava. DEB-Young Talent Selection. This must include... DEBThe team finished last in their group and will face Norway in the relegation play-offs to secure their place in the league.
The Americans underlined their status as favorites after just a minute and a half when Jamie Glance capitalized on the open space and scored the first goal of the afternoon (2nd minute). Just 44 seconds later, Wyatt Cullen increased the lead to 2-0 on the power play (3rd minute). Despite falling behind, the German team remained undeterred and created some scoring opportunities. Krestan narrowed the gap to 2-1 on the power play (10th minute). However, just a minute later, Mikey Berchild restored the two-goal advantage (11th minute). On the next power play, Sammy Nelson extended the Americans' lead to 4-1 (13th minute). Lukas Zajic (14th minute) and Cullen (20th minute) then made it 6-1 at the intermission.
Team USA capitalized on an early power play in the second period as well: Casey Mutryn scored after just 112 seconds to make it 7-1 (21st minute). Shortly after the seventh penalty expired, Nelson scored his second goal to extend the lead to 8-1 (28th minute). In the 31st minute, Zajic finished off a counterattack to score the ninth goal for the USA. Germany's offensive efforts were unsuccessful, and the score remained 9-1 at the second intermission.
The final period began with another American goal, Berchild's shot finding the back of the net (44th minute). The German team then responded: Luis Becker capitalized on a power play to reduce the deficit to 2-10 (47th minute). Another German power play failed to produce a goal. In the 56th minute, Zajic sealed the victory with the final goal, making it 11-2.
Best DEBLuis Becker became a player.
It continues for them DEBThe selection takes place on Thursday. Norway awaits in the relegation play-off to avoid relegation. Kick-off is at 10:00 AM in Trenčín.
Official statistics: USAGER