U.S. loses to Slovakia in pool play at World Juniors

MONCTON, N.B. — The U.S. brought eight defensemen to the World Junior Championship.

Only one is taller than 6 feet.

The pre-tournament questions about whether the Americans could defend well enough with a smaller, skilled blue line came to a crescendo Wednesday when the Americans were beaten 6-3 by Slovakia in a pool play game at the under-20 event.

Slovakia scored five times in the final 30 minutes of the game to pull away from the U.S.

Defenseman Simon Nemec, the No. 2 overall pick in last year’s NHL Draft by the New Jersey Devils, had three assists for Slovakia.

Tyler Boucher, an Ottawa Senators first-round pick, scored twice for the Americans. Michigan forward Gavin Brindley also scored. Boston College rookie Cutter Gauthier had two assists for Team USA.

The Americans moved to 1-1 in pool play. They beat Latvia 5-2 on Monday.

The U.S. has two more pool play games remaining against Switzerland (3 p.m. Thursday) and Finland (3 p.m. Saturday).

Slovakia’s win over the Americans upended the standings in Group B.

Switzerland and Finland are tied in first with four points. The U.S. and Slovakia are tied with three points. Latvia is in last place with one point.

The top four teams move onto the quarterfinals.

UND freshman Jackson Blake was held off the scoresheet Wednesday. Blake played 14 minutes, 54 seconds for the U.S. He has one assist in the two pool play games.

Pool playMonday — USA 5, Latvia 2Wednesday — Slovakia 6, USA 3Thursday — USA vs. Switzerland, 3 p.m. (NHL Network)Saturday — USA vs. Finland, 3 p.m. (NHL Network)

QuarterfinalsMonday, Jan. 2 — 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 5:30 p.m.

SemifinalsWednesday, Jan. 4 — 1:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m.

Medal gamesThursday, Jan. 5 — 1:30 p.m. (bronze), 5:30 p.m. (gold)

Schlossman has covered college hockey for the Grand Forks Herald since 2005. He has been recognized by the Associated Press Sports Editors as the top beat writer for the Herald’s circulation division four times and the North Dakota sportswriter of the year once. He resides in Grand Forks. Reach him at bschlossman@gfherald.com.