Top standouts from USA vs. Switzerland at 2024 World Junior Championship
Well, that was definitely a hockey game.
USA’s 11-3 victory over Switzerland on Thursday was never close, and it was never expected to be. The Americans took a 3-0 lead after just 8:11 and never looked back, putting on one of the most dominant performances of the tournament thus far.
For the Swiss, they’ll get a much-needed rest after a difficult loss to Slovakia on Wednesday – one that could matter big time in the race for a quarterfinal spot. They’ll play Norway next on Saturday in what will be a major game for both squads. The United States, meanwhile, will have a quick turnaround with a game against a hungry Czech team at 11:00 AM ET on Friday.
The game was highlighted by a three-goal first period by Jimmy Snuggerud, and another two goals from Gavin Brindley. Will Smith opened the scoring at 1:20, with Zeev Buium, Ryan Leonard and Isaac Howard scoring the other goals. Frank Nazar led the way with four assists, while Cutter Gauthier had two.
For Switzerland, the team got goals from Gregory Weber (two points) and seventh defenseman Gael Christie.
Here’s a look at the top performers from Thursday’s lopsided affair:
#81 Jimmy Snuggerud, RW (St. Louis Blues): Snuggerud scored three straight goals for the Americans in easily the most dominant period of any player in this tournament. He had five of USA’s 14 shots in the first period alone, carrying over from his goal and six shots against Norway on Tuesday. Snuggerud has been USA’s best player early, which is good after seeing his points dip a bit at the University of Minnesota. There’s a very solid chance he’ll be in St. Louis’s top six next year.
#19 Cutter Gauthier, C (Philadelphia Flyers): Gauthier, as expected, looked great. He had three assists in the first period, although the IIHF eventually took back his third due to Zeev Buium’s shot getting tipped. His ice time dipped as the game wore out, but Gauthier’s eye for setting guys up was as prevalent as his shot was during the pre-tournament. We’re still waiting for Gauthier to put more pucks in the net, but he’s having as good of a start to the tournament as you’d expect from a star player.
#4 Gavin Brindley, RW (Columbus Blue Jackets): Brindley now has a pair of two-goal games for the Americans, snagging three points over a five-minute stint during the second stanza. The chemistry between him and Nazar – University of Michigan teammates – is evident, with Brindley being the primary finisher. He’s been among USA’s best players so far as a returning forward.
#91 Frank Nazar, C (Chicago Blackhawks): Nazar was the game’s top set-up man, registering four assists to match Macklin Celebrini’s effort against Latvia. He’s had some ups and downs this year after kicking off his first full year at Michigan, but he’s been such a crucial piece of USA’s attack since the start of the pre-tournament. Today was one of the best games I’ve seen from him since his USNTDP days.
#26 Seamus Casey, D (New Jersey Devils): Even though the opponent wasn’t at the same level, one thing stood out in Casey’s game: confidence. He took space away, played a great defensive game and competed as hard as anyone. It’s easy to fall into traps when the score is so lopsided, especially when a guy like Casey is so good at rushing the puck and scoring, but Casey’s smart enough to stick to his guns and do what’s right for the team, no matter the situation.
Switzerland
#22 Gregory Weber, RW (Undrafted): Weber was Switzerland’s best forward yesterday and he was again today. No matter the score, no matter the scenario, Weber fights for every opportunity he has. That’s why he had a goal and an assist today.
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