After suffering a surprising loss to Slovakia on Wednesday. Team USA put together its most complete effort at the 2023 World Junior Championship on Thursday, cruising to a 5-1 victory over Switzerland. The win greatly enhanced their chances within their pool as 1st round action begins to wind down.

The Action
Jimmy Snuggerud scored twice, Logan Cooley had a goal and an assist, and Flyers prospect Cutter Gauthier dished out two assists in the win. Trey Augustine picked up his second win of the competition in goal, making 18 saves. Snuggerud’s first goal put the USA up 1-0 after one period. Back-to-back power-play goals by Cooley and Snuggerud extended the lead in the second.
Tyler Boucher potted his third of the tournament, also in the second, to make it 4-0. Attilio Biasca scored in the final minute of the period to put Switzerland on the board. Luke Hughes added a tally in the third. The win positions the United States well for its final group game, a New Year’s Eve matchup with Finland. The Finns have a one-point lead over the USA in Group B, meaning Saturday will be a winner-take-all game.

This And That
For Flyers fans Thursday’s game was filled with potential Orange and Black. Cutter Gauthier (Team USA) and Brian Zanetti (Switzerland) both played in this game
With the winning Team, the USA now has a 2-1-0-0 record for six points. They currently sit in second place in Pool B. They also have 13 goals scored which are good for most in the pool. The goals scored stat is a critical stat for tiebreaker purposes
Next up for the Americans, Finland who currently rests in 1st place in pool B. The two will face off on New Year’s Eve at 5 pm. That will be the final 1st round game for Team USA. The medal round one game elimination will begin on January 2, 2023.
Cutter Gauthier currently has 3 assists through this tournament, it has been his play away from the puck that has been the most impressive. His size and quick hands have been lethal on the world’s stage.



Matt Bednarczyk is your host of Talking Philly Sports With Matty B. He is a proud retired US Army Sergeant First Class, he is also a combat veteran with over 80 months served in Afganistan, and Iraq . Huge Hockey Fan. Matt is a lifelong 4 for 4 Philly sports fan. Born and raised on the Mayfair and Tacony neighborhood lines of Northeast Philly. He brings over 40 years of Philadelphia Sports passion and provides a realistic look at our Major Sports Teams and the most passionate sports fans on the planet. Look for his show live on Edge of Philly Sports.