Austin Watson’s natural hat trick and four assists led the U.S. National Junior Team past Latvia 12-2 Tuesday afternoon at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary in the relegation round of the World Junior Championship.
“I was happy with our effort and intensity,” said Team USA coach Dean Blais in a news release. “It was good to see our offense gel today and hopefully, that can continue tomorrow.”
Nick Bjugstad added a hat trick of his own, while United States captain Jason Zucker (Denver), J.T. Miller, Bill Arnold (Boston College), Adam Clendening (Boston University), Kyle Rau (Minnesota) and Austin Czarnik (Miami) added singles.
Jack Campbell made 27 saves in the win.
Team USA improved to 2-0-0-3 (W-OTW-OTL-L) overall and with a win against Switzerland on Wednesday (Jan. 4) would finish in seventh place.
