The defending champion Americans had plenty to talk about after beating Germany 6-3 in front of an ecstatic Minnesota crowd to kick off the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship.
photo: © INTERNATIONAL ICE HOCKEY FEDERATION / MICHELINE VELUVOLU
So far, so good on home ice at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. The U.S. notched its first win on Friday, 6-3 over Germany, and hopes to keep the momentum rolling against Switzerland on Saturday. The ultimate goal, of course, is to capture a third consecutive World Junior crown right here in Minnesota.
We caught up with American players after the victory over the Germans to capture what it’s like – personally and team-wise – to compete in this passionate environment.
Will Zellers
On playing at the Grand Casino Arena as a Minnesotan
Growing up, going to games here, going to the [Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament]...it’s pretty special when you're playing in this rink with the crowd for us. So much support from USA fans, Minnesota fans, just everyone, especially when the USA chants are going off in the middle of the game. We feel that energy and we bring it into the game.
On being the last forward added to the U.S. roster
It really motivated me. Going into camp, I told myself I want to have a chip on my shoulder. I wanted to prove, not to the coaches but mostly myself, that I do belong here and I do deserve a spot. So to have a game like that [with three points] and have the trust of the coaches, it means a lot.
Cole Hutson
On partnering with the 196-cm, 92-kg (6’5”, 203-pound) Adam Kleber
He’s so hard to get behind. You may think you have a step on him, but he's got a 20-foot stick! It’s awesome. We get tossed over the boards to kill big penalties. Lot of pressure, but we’ve got a lot of confidence.
On his leadership style as an assistant captain
Staying positive in all moments. Like that game [against Germany], it got to 3-2, and not being too stunned by them. Just being ready to get the next goal for the team and move on from there.
We caught up with American players after the victory over the Germans to capture what it’s like – personally and team-wise – to compete in this passionate environment.
Will Zellers
On playing at the Grand Casino Arena as a Minnesotan
Growing up, going to games here, going to the [Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament]...it’s pretty special when you're playing in this rink with the crowd for us. So much support from USA fans, Minnesota fans, just everyone, especially when the USA chants are going off in the middle of the game. We feel that energy and we bring it into the game.
On being the last forward added to the U.S. roster
It really motivated me. Going into camp, I told myself I want to have a chip on my shoulder. I wanted to prove, not to the coaches but mostly myself, that I do belong here and I do deserve a spot. So to have a game like that [with three points] and have the trust of the coaches, it means a lot.
Cole Hutson
On partnering with the 196-cm, 92-kg (6’5”, 203-pound) Adam Kleber
He’s so hard to get behind. You may think you have a step on him, but he's got a 20-foot stick! It’s awesome. We get tossed over the boards to kill big penalties. Lot of pressure, but we’ve got a lot of confidence.
On his leadership style as an assistant captain
Staying positive in all moments. Like that game [against Germany], it got to 3-2, and not being too stunned by them. Just being ready to get the next goal for the team and move on from there.
Cole Eiserman
On the example he aims to set as a 19-year-old returnee
As a returning player, I kind of have to be a good leader. Try to have the young guys play the right way, and have me play the right way too, up and down the lineup. These are guys that I played with at the [USNTDP] and everything. So it’s a really close group, and it’s a lot of fun.
On the team-building process since the summer
I think the summer was a little weird. You know, guys weren't playing. It was kind of mixed-up lines and a lot of guys there. Now we have our core group, and we all love each other, and it's really easy kind of getting along with everyone. Especially in Duluth, you're kind of this hotel-rink, hotel-rink routine, and you get along and do a lot of fun stuff together.
Brendan McMorrow
On what worked and what didn’t for the U.S. versus Germany
We really stressed getting behind their D, making them turn. I think that's what worked well for us, making turnovers in their zone. We were a little bit too cute with the puck at the blue line. And I think it bit us a little bit. All of their offence, we kind of just gave them. So cleaning up those turnovers and just playing a little bit simpler game.
On the environment here at the 50th World Juniors
I think all of us came out and saw the flags waving, and you’re like, “Holy crap!” Like, this is really cool. Being on American soil, too, that’s another thing that’s just really special about this tournament in particular. And seeing the history of all those great, great players playing in this tournament, it definitely adds some motivation.
On the example he aims to set as a 19-year-old returnee
As a returning player, I kind of have to be a good leader. Try to have the young guys play the right way, and have me play the right way too, up and down the lineup. These are guys that I played with at the [USNTDP] and everything. So it’s a really close group, and it’s a lot of fun.
On the team-building process since the summer
I think the summer was a little weird. You know, guys weren't playing. It was kind of mixed-up lines and a lot of guys there. Now we have our core group, and we all love each other, and it's really easy kind of getting along with everyone. Especially in Duluth, you're kind of this hotel-rink, hotel-rink routine, and you get along and do a lot of fun stuff together.
Brendan McMorrow
On what worked and what didn’t for the U.S. versus Germany
We really stressed getting behind their D, making them turn. I think that's what worked well for us, making turnovers in their zone. We were a little bit too cute with the puck at the blue line. And I think it bit us a little bit. All of their offence, we kind of just gave them. So cleaning up those turnovers and just playing a little bit simpler game.
On the environment here at the 50th World Juniors
I think all of us came out and saw the flags waving, and you’re like, “Holy crap!” Like, this is really cool. Being on American soil, too, that’s another thing that’s just really special about this tournament in particular. And seeing the history of all those great, great players playing in this tournament, it definitely adds some motivation.