U.S. Men's Hockey Edges Germany at Beijing OIympics

The United States men's hockey team outlasted Germany by a 3-2 count on Sunday at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing, China. The Americans thus finished round-robin pool play with a perfect 3-0-0-0 record, and also finished first in Group A following earlier victories over host China and rival Canada.

After spotting Germany an early one-goal lead, the Americans responded with three consecutive scores from Steve Kampfer (Michigan) in the first period, Matt Knies (Minnesota) in the second stanza, and then Nathan Smith (Minnesota State) in the final frame to offset a late German goal in regulation for the victory. Smith became the first Florida native to ever score a goal in Olympic hockey, while U.S. goaltender Drew Commesso (Boston University) made 24 saves for his second win in as many career Olympic starts.

Team USA is scheduled to meet the winner of Germany and Slovakia in the quarterfinals, beginning on Feb. 16 at Beijing's National Indoor Stadium.

U.S. Tops Canada in Olympic Men's Hockey

The United States now sits alone atop Group A play in men's ice hockey at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. The Americans defeated rival Canada by a 4-2 count on Friday night in Beijing, China.

After falling behind by a goal in the first two minutes of play, the U.S rebounded to take a 3-1 lead by early in the second period, before adding an insurance goal in the final frame. Andy Miele (Miami), Ben Meyers (Minnesota), Brendan Brisson (Michigan) and Kenny Agostino (Yale) scored for the U.S., with Miele also assisting on Agostino's goal. Strauss Mann (Michigan) made 35 saves in his Team USA debut.

Mat Robinson (Alaska Anchorage) and Corban Knight (North Dakota) scored goals for Canada, the latter shorthanded. Canada outshot the U.S. on the night, 37-27, and also won nearly 72 percent of all face-offs taken.

Team USA (2-0-0-0) will now face Germany in its final round-robin game, while Canada (1-1-0-0) will take on host China, with both contests slated for Sunday.