Ziemer, Zellers Push U.S. Past Switzerland, 2-1, at World Juniors Kempf turns aside 16 shots as Team USA wins its second preliminary round game at Grand Casino Arena

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Team USA leaned on timely finishing and steady goaltending Saturday night, edging Switzerland 2-1 in its second preliminary round game of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship at Grand Casino Arena.

Brodie Ziemer (University of Minnesota) opened the scoring early in the second period, Will Zellers (University of North Dakota) delivered the eventual game-winner minutes later, and Nick Kempf (University of Notre Dame) stopped 16 shots to help the U.S. secure the one-goal win.

“It was a battle and I give our guys a lot of credit, they played a heckuva game,” said head coach Bob Motzko. “They’re a well-coached team and keep coming at you. It was another great crowd tonight and we're thankful for the fan support we've had in the first two games.”

The opening period was tight and physical, with chances coming at a premium. Teddy Stiga (Boston College) created one of the best looks of the frame when he forced a turnover along the offensive-zone boards, cut to the net, and tried to lift a backhand over a sliding Christian Kirsch, who got enough of it to keep the game scoreless.

Late in the first leading into intermission, the U.S. generated dangerous shorthanded opportunities during a Switzerland power play. Stiga helped spark a 2-on-1 with Ziemer, but the five-hole attempt was turned aside.

The breakthrough came 1:12 into the second. After a drop pass from James Hagens (Boston College), Ziemer stepped into a shot that beat Kirsch high to give the U.S. a 1-0 lead.

Switzerland answered at 12:34 of the second, when Basile Sansonnens snapped a rising shot from just inside the blue line that found the top corner to tie the game 1-1.

The deadlock did not last long. Just 2:06 later, Zellers scored what proved to be the difference, firing a tight-angle shot from just above the goal line that slipped over Kirsch’s shoulder to restore the U.S. lead at 2-1.

From there, the Americans managed the game and protected the middle of the ice, with Kempf and the defense doing enough to close it out. The U.S. finished with a 20-17 edge in shots, went 0-for-3 on the power play, and killed both Switzerland power plays. Ziemer was named U.S. Player of the Game.

Team USA is back on the ice Monday, Dec. 29, against Slovakia. Puck drop is set for 5 p.m. CT, with the game airing live on NHL Network.