U.S. Defeats Germany, 5-2, In Sole Pre-Tournament Match Before Men’s World Championship

MANNHEIM, Germany – The U.S. Men’s National Team secured a 5-2 victory over Germany in their only pre-tournament match prior to the 2026 IIHF Men’s World Championship. The game took place in front of an enthusiastic full house of 12,909 at SAP Arena.

The U.S. opened the scoring in the first period with a spectacular power play goal from Ryker Lee (Wilmette, Ill./Michigan State University), who executed a backhand shot into the top corner from just in front of the goal line. Assists were credited to Ryan Leonard (Amherst, Mass./Washington Capitals) and Justin Faulk (South St. Paul, Minn./Detroit Red Wings).

The U.S. extended their lead to 2-0 just 3:55 into the second period when Sam Lafferty (Hollidaysburg, Pa./Chicago Blackhawks) scored from close range. Germany narrowed the gap to one goal with 1:22 remaining in the period, but Alex Steeves (Eden Prairie, Minn./Boston Bruins) restored Team USA’s two-goal cushion with a shot from the bottom of the right circle just 17 seconds before the intermission.

GAME PHOTOS

Max Plante (Hermantown, Minn./University of Minnesota Duluth) increased the U.S. lead to 4-1 just 1:16 into the third period. Germany responded with a goal from Arkadisz Dziambor at 2:42, bringing the score to 4-2, but an empty net goal by Mathieu Olivier (Columbus, Ohio/Columbus Blue Jackets) sealed the game at 5-2.

Joseph Woll (St. Louis Mo./Toronto Maple Leafs) played the first half of the match, stopping all 11 shots he faced. Meanwhile, Devin Cooley (Los Gatos, Calif./Calgary Flames) concluded the game with 16 saves.

Team USA is set to begin their campaign in the 2026 IIHF Men’s World Championship on Friday (May 15) against the host nation, Switzerland. The opening faceoff is scheduled for 2:20 p.m. ET, and the match will be broadcast live on NHL Network.

IIHF Tournament Homepage Men's Worlds Insider 2026 Preliminary Roster