Every team has now played their first games at the 2013 World Juniors. The US and Switzerland both played (and won) their first match on Thursday in convincing fashion.
The Americans scored 19 seconds in, and never looked back in crushing the Germans, who were playing a difficult back to back after losing to Canada the previous day. When the dust was settled, eight different Americans had goals in an 8-0 shutout. Montreal draft pick Alex Galchenyuk had a goal and two assists, as did his linemate Riley Barber. Defenseman and potential #1 pick Seth Jones had a goal and an assist.
June 22, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Alex Galchenyuk puts on a jersey after being selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2012 NHL Draft at CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The Americans face their first stiff test on Friday morning when they face the Russians, while Germany gets a day off to prepare for the Russians.
Switzerland faced off against Latvia, and it was Guelph Storm forward Tanner Richard who led the way with three assists en route to a 7-2 win. The Latvians kept it close for 30 minutes, but Switzerland scored 4 unanswered goals after that point to run away with the game.