U.S. Men’s National Team Secures 5-1 Win Against Great Britain
ZURICH, Switzerland – Isaac Howard (Hudson, Wis./Bakersfield Condors) netted two goals, while Paul Cotter (Canton, Mich./New Jersey Devils) and Mathieu Olivier (Columbus, Ohio/Columbus Blue Jackets) each contributed three points to propel the U.S. Men’s National Team to a 5-1 win against Great Britain in their second preliminary round match of the 2026 IIHF Men’s World Championship at Swiss Life Arena.
“In these tournaments, you must be prepared to work hard throughout the games, and I believe we did that today,” stated Don Granato, head coach of the 2026 U.S. Men’s National Team. “It took us some time to see the results, but we persevered and secured three crucial points.”
HIGHLIGHTS
Coming soon!
Team USA struck first when Olivier gathered a rebound in the slot and passed the puck to Cotter at the back door, who then scored 13:55 into the game.
At 8:39 of the second period, Great Britain’s Nathanael Halbert equalized with a power-play goal from the point that found the top-left corner of the net through a crowd.
Howard restored the U.S. lead with 2:59 remaining in the second period after intercepting a Great Britain breakout pass in the offensive zone, maneuvering past a defender to the left circle, and firing a short-side wrist shot into the net.
At the 2:29 mark of the final period, Olivier scored on a rebound just outside the crease from a shot by Cotter, extending Team USA’s lead to 3-1. Declan Carlile (Hartland, Mich./Tampa Bay Lightning) also provided an assist on the play.
Only 15 seconds later, Carlile scored with a one-timer from the top of the left circle that deflected off a Great Britain defender and into the net. Cotter and Olivier assisted on this goal.
Howard added his second goal of the match with a wrist shot on the power play from the left circle with 3:49 left, marking the final goal of the game.
Devin Cooley (Los Gatos, Calif./Calgary Flames) made 18 saves to secure the victory in goal for Team USA.
The U.S. will compete against Finland tomorrow (May 18) in their third preliminary-round match. Puck drop is scheduled for 10:20 a.m. ET, and the game will be broadcast live on NHL Network.
NOTES: The U.S. outshot Great Britain 39-19… Team USA converted 1-3 on the power play, while Great Britain was 1-1… Isaac Howard was named the U.S. Player of the Game.
GAME PHOTOS
GAME STATS GAME PREVIEW 
2026 Roster 
Men's Worlds Insider 
2026 Men's Worlds Home
