Towards the end of 1776, the Americans beat the British in the Battle of Trenton to help turn the tide of the American Revolution.
250 years later, the Americans once again defeated the British. But whereas the Battle of Trenton was preluded by George Washington's famous crossing of the icy Delaware River, the Americans would win this battle on a different ice sheet.
History references aside, the United States defeated Great Britain 5-1 to reverse the sting of Friday's defeat to Switzerland and earn their first win of their 2026 IIHF World Championship campaign.
Like how Washington led his troops into battle against the British-aligned Hessian forces at Trenton, Edmonton Oilers rookie forward Isaac Howard would help to lead the Americans into the fight against Great Britain, scoring a brace in the team's five goal outburst.
Nine minutes after HK Olimpija Ljubljana defenseman Nathaneal Halbert levelled the score at one, Howard scored his first of the game to restore the United States' one-goal lead; his tally went unassisted. His second goal acted as the Americans' final score of the contest, with the assists being recorded by sophomore Chicago Blackhawks center Oliver Moore and Pittsburgh Penguins forward Tommy Novak.
The remaining three goals would each be scored by different players. The Americans' first goal of the game came from New Jersey Devils forward Paul Cotter, with assists coming from Columbus Blue Jackets forward Mathieu Olivier and Vancouver Canucks forward Max Sasson. Olivier would score the Americans' insurance goal with eight minutes to go in the game, with assists coming from Cotter and Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Declan Carlile. Carlile scored the Americans' fourth goal of the game just 15 seconds later, with Cotter and Olivier each assisting the goal.
Relevant statistics and facts
The Americans outshot the British 40-20, a tally that included a 14-4 shots on goal count in the third period.
Great Britain scored on their lone power play opportunity of the game, while the Americans went one-for-three on the power play.
Calgary Flames netminder Devin Cooley recorded the win for the United States, recording 19 saves on 20 shots faced. Cardiff Devils goaltender Ben Bowns was in net for Great Britain, recording 35 saves on 40 shots faced for a 0.875 save percentage.
What's next?
The Americans will return to action Monday morning for a contest against Finland, who won each of their opening two contests of the tournament. Puck drop is set for 10:20 A.M. Eastern Time.
Great Britain will have Monday off before taking on Hungary, who dropped their opening two games of the tournament against Finland and Austria. That game will take place at 2:20 P.M. Eastern Time.
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