Switzerland beat – Switzerland began its World Hockey Championship campaign with a 3-1 win over defending champion United States in Zurich, with goals from Sven Andrighetto and Pius Suter plus a late winner from Ken Jager.
ZURICH — The World Hockey Championship opened with a statement at the home rink as Switzerland delivered a 3-1 win over defending champion United States on Friday, repeating the matchup from last year’s final.
Sven Andrighetto and Pius Suter powered the hosts with two-point nights each, while goaltender Leonardo Genoni made 19 saves in front of a crowd that kept pushing the momentum forward.
Suter struck first for Switzerland just 2:03 in, tapping in a pass from Andrighetto from close range to give the home side the early edge. Andrighetto then doubled the lead with 8:41 left in the opening period, firing from a tight angle with Suter registering the assist.
Alex Steeves pulled the U.S. back in the final period at 8:45, roofing the puck that bounced off the boards behind the goal. The Americans pressed hard after that, but Ken Jager broke the surge when he deflected in a shot by Simon Knak from the blue line with 3:39 remaining.
For Switzerland, still searching for its first world championship title after finishing runner-up the previous two years, the start brings fresh hope in front of home supporters.
The United States arrived with a reshaped roster. featuring only two players from last year’s championship team: forwards Mason Lohrei and Isaac Howard.. They were the ones who powered the U.S.. to its second world championship and first since 1933, winning the final in Stockholm 1-0 in overtime over Switzerland.
Next, the U.S. faces Britain on Sunday, with the newcomer set for its top-division debut at this tournament.
Friday’s other results added more momentum across the tournament, with Canada beating Sweden 5-3, Finland defeating Germany 3-1, and Czechia topping Denmark 4-1 in Fribourg.
Switzerland vs U.S. World Hockey Championship Leonardo Genoni Sven Andrighetto Pius Suter Ken Jager Alex Steeves Mason Lohrei Isaac Howard