U.S. downs British for first win

Still chasing back-to-back world titles after winning the 2025 championship and earning Olympic gold in February, Team USA bounced back from a tournament-opening 3-1 loss to Switzerland. Isaac Howard scored twice, while Mathieu Olivier, Paul Cotter and Declan Carlile each added one goal. Olivier and Cotter also tallied two assists apiece, guiding the defending champions to three crucial Group A points.

Cotter opened the scoring in the first period before Nathanael Halbert levelled for Great Britain on a second-period power play. However, Howard’s late second-period strike put the Americans back in front. The U.S. pulled away decisively in the third frame with goals from Olivier, Carlile and another from Howard on the power play.

Though newly promoted Great Britain fought hard and stayed tied deep into the second period, offensive struggles continued to plague the side. Britain remains winless in the tournament following an opening loss to Austria. Final shot totals heavily favoured the United States at 39-19, with U.S. goaltender Devin Cooley outperforming Britain’s Ben Bowns.

Historically, Great Britain has never beaten the USA in seven men’s World Championship encounters, recording only two draws across decades.

Looking forward, the U.S. will face undefeated Finland on Monday, with the team set to stick to its patient, pressure-based game plan. For Britain, the upcoming game against Hungary has become a must-win fixture to turn around its campaign.