Samuel Ruffin (right) of Adrian College, USA, will face James Shaw (left) of the University of Nottingham, UK, at Clarkson University’s Chell Arena on Wednesday. (photo provided)
POTSDAM — The U.S. beat Great Britain 18-0 in the Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games men’s hockey preliminary first-round opener Wednesday at Clarkson University’s Chell Arena.
The U.S. struck out early, with forward Quinn Green putting the puck home with an assist from Peter Morgan (1:16). Seven minutes later, the American powerhouse converted a chance with a goal from Austin Master (8:46).
First-quarter goals by Quinn Green (9:25), John Mulera (13:59), Matthew Hanewell (16:56) and Jack Jaunich (19:32) continued the fast start for Team USA.
“The biggest challenge is getting them ready, coming together, getting them all on the same page as quickly as possible,” Team USA head coach Mark Taylor said.
Goals from Emmett Powell (4:01), Brendan Mark (12:55), Luke Acquaro (14:56) gave the U.S. a 12-1 lead in the second 0 Master (8:18) and Zachary Heintz’s two (2:16, 11:16).
“55 saves or 64 saves, I’m not a numbers guy, I just like going out and playing hockey,” England goalkeeper Joshua Crane said. “The games were memorable…they were fun, Team USA was great and I wish them the best of luck.”
37 seconds into the final quarter, forward Clark Kerner scored a goal for the US team. The Stars and Stripes quickly scored from second goals from Jaunich (4:29) and Aquaro (6:24). At this point, England removed Crane from the net after 55 saves. Within 15 seconds of the goalkeeper change, the US scored another goal from Murella (6:39). More late goals came from Sam Ruffin (8:13) and Mitch Walinski (9:39).
Wednesday’s attendance was 1,450, according to FISU organizers.
Great Britain will take on Slovakia at Cheel Arena on Friday at 8pm and the United States will take on South Korea at Cheel Arena on Saturday at 8pm
