Senators’ Tkachuk gives U.S. pep talk after world juniors opener

The United States opened the world junior hockey championship with a resounding 10-4 win over Germany on Thursday, and they were rewarded with an appearance from a special guest.

OTTAWA — Defenceman Cole Hutson had five assists as United States opened its defence of its gold medal with a resounding 10-4 win over Germany on Thursday as the 2025 world junior hockey championship got underway.

James Hagens had two goals and two assists while Gabe Perreault and Brodie Ziemer also scored twice for the Americans, who are considered among the favourites in Ottawa.

Trevor Connelly, Brandon Svoboda, Carey Terrance and Cole Eiserman also scored for the Americans.

Julius Sumpf, David Lewandowski, Lenny Boos and Timo Ruckdaschel scored for Germany.

Trey Augustine made 18 saves for the U.S., while a busy Nico Pertuch stopped 46 shots.

Germany next plays Finland on Friday, while the U.S. has a day off before facing Latvia on Saturday.