IIHF U18: USA Rolls Past Switzerland with 10-0 Shutout

Team USA dominated Switzerland from start to finish on Thursday, delivering a 10–0 shutout win to move to the top of Group B after two days of play. Seven different skaters scored, with LJ Mooney, Cole McKinney, and Richard Gallant each recording three-point nights. Goaltender Joey Slavick turned aside all 26 shots faced for the shutout.

First Period – Early Pressure Pays Off

Team USA wasted no time grabbing control. Just 1:13 into regulation, Jack Murtagh scored off a deflected pass from LJ Mooney, a goal upheld after video review.

GOAL (1:13): Jack Murtagh (USA) – Even strength (EA)
Assists: LJ Mooney, Asher Barnett

Mooney followed it up at 4:23 with a slick behind-the-net setup to Mikey Berchild, who tapped it in to double the lead.

GOAL (4:23): Mikey Berchild (USA) – Even strength
Assist: LJ Mooney

Cole McKinney extended the lead at 8:53, finishing a centering feed from Richard Gallant and Murtagh.

GOAL (8:53): Cole McKinney (USA) – Even strength
Assists: Richard Gallant, Jack Murtagh

Score: USA 3, Switzerland 0
Shots on Goal: USA 11, SUI 7
Power Plays: USA 0/1, SUI 0/1
Penalties: USA 1, SUI 1

Second Period – Offensive Barrage

The Americans exploded for six goals in the second. Will Moore opened the floodgates at 1:48, tapping in a rebound to make it 4–0. Just 37 seconds later, Ben Kevan picked a Swiss pocket and scored unassisted off the steal—a heads-up play that brought the crowd to its feet.

GOAL (2:25): Ben Kevan (USA) – Even strength
Unassisted – Kevan stole the puck and snapped it in

A tripping penalty to Florian Schenk gave the Americans a power play, and Richard Gallant jammed in a netfront rebound at 4:46 to extend the lead. That goal prompted a goalie change for Switzerland, as Jovin Trachsel replaced Matia Birchler.

At 6:19, LJ Mooney pulled off a filthy spin move to shake Schenk and sniped it short-side to cap one of the flashiest goals of the tournament.

GOAL (6:19): LJ Mooney (USA) – Even strength
Assists: Charlie Trethewey, Lincoln Kuehne

Cole McKinney added his second of the game at 13:14 for the Americans, redirecting a centering pass from Jack Murtagh.

GOAL (13:14): Cole McKinney (USA) – Even strength
Assists: Jack Murtagh, Asher Barnett

Will Moore found the net yet again at 17:59, with the play set up nicely by Drew Schock.

GOAL (17:59): Will Moore (USA) – Even strength
Assist: Drew Schock

Score: USA 9, Switzerland 0
Shots on Goal: USA 18, SUI 9
Power Plays: USA 1/2, SUI 0/0
Penalties: USA 1, SUI 1

Third Period – Gallant Closes It Out

Switzerland held the Americans to one goal in the final 20 minutes, despite racking up four minor penalties. Richard Gallant scored his second of the game shorthanded at 48:23, finishing off the scoring.

Switzerland tightened up defensively in the third, killing off multiple penalties and holding the U.S. to just one goal—a shorthanded snipe by Richard Gallant, who picked off a pass and beat Jovin Trachsel clean for his second of the night. Despite late minors to Jonah Neuenschwander, Luca Nappiot, and Thierry Andrey, the Swiss penalty kill held firm. At the other end, Joey Slavick stayed sharp, turning away traffic-laden shots to secure the 26-save shutout as the Americans closed out a wire-to-wire rout.

Score: USA 10, Switzerland 0
Shots on Goal: USA 12, SUI 10
Power Plays: USA 0/4, SUI 0/2
Penalties: USA 3, SUI 4

Game Leaders

• LJ Mooney – 1G, 2A
• Cole McKinney – 2G, 1A
• Richard Gallant – 2G, 1A (including SHG & PPG)
• Jack Murtagh – 1G, 2A
• Will Moore – 2G
• Joey Slavick – 26-save shutout

Key Moment

Mooney’s second-period goal electrified the arena. Spinning off Swiss forward Florian Schenk, he showcased elite edge work before sniping short-side top shelf that was highlight reel worthy.

Final Game Stats

Final Score: United States 10, Switzerland 0
Total Shots: USA 41, Switzerland 26
Power Plays: USA 1/7, Switzerland 0/3
Penalty Minutes: USA – 10, Switzerland – 14

Goaltending Matchup

Joey Slavick (USA): 26 saves on 26 shots – Calm and steady, earned the shutout.
Matia Birchler (SUI): 9 saves on 15 shots – Pulled in second period.
Jovin Trachsel (SUI): 22 saves on 26 shots – Entered in relief

Up Next – Showdown with Sweden

Team USA will face Sweden on Saturday in a first-place showdown to wrap the weekend slate. Switzerland will try to rebound against Czechia as Group B heats up.

IIHF Official Game Photos: Switzerland vs United States – 2025 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship