U.S., Russia look ahead to world juniors after exhibition in Kamloops

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Russia built up a 2-0 lead in the second period off a rare turnover by projected first overall NHL pick Jack Hughes. The Russian are trying to get back on the podium after last year’s quarter-final defeat. 

“For sure, we were really mad,” noted Alexseev after finishing fifth in 2018. “[But] we need to just focus on this tournament and play our best game and just do our job.”

The Americans, who won bronze at home last year, showed some pushback on Thursday night, scoring twice in the first 10 minutes of the third period before Hughes notched the game-winner with 28 seconds left. 

“I like how we stayed with it, especially in the third. I thought we were more responsible with the puck and we finally stayed around the net a little bit more and had some guys make some plays,” said U.S. head coach Mike Hastings.

The U.S. is a younger group than the one that earned bronze with only five players returning players. They know it’s going to be a competitive tournament with Canada as defending champions and hosts. 

“Obviously Canada’s going to be good, but there’s going to be a lot of good teams: Sweden, Russia, Finland, Czech,” said Hughes. “There should be a lot of good games. It’s not just Canada and the U.S. There are a lot of good team.”

While the Americans are young, one of those young players in Hughes may be one of the best in the tournament, bucking the trend by playing at the world juniors as a 17 years old. 

“It’s going to be great. I’m really excited to play,” noted Hughes. “I don’t really just want to play. I want to be an impact player. That’s my main focus.”

Hastings added “he’s a special player. He’s a special talent. He’s about as competitive as they come. I think that might run in the blood lines a little bit [with brother Quinn Hughes a Team USA teammate and Canucks prospect]. He’s humble. You enjoy being around him because he’s got a passion about wanting to be as successful as he can be and he’s willing to do the work, so he’s going to grow through this tournament.”