Team USA made a thunderous opening statement at the 2025 World Para Ice Hockey Championship on Saturday, dismantling Norway 12-0 in their Group B debut at LECOM Harborcenter in Buffalo.

Evan Nichols ignited the American offense just under three minutes into the first period, finishing a setup from veteran defenseman Josh Pauls. Noah Grove and Declan Farmer followed quickly, and the U.S. went into the first intermission with a 3-0 lead, having outshot Norway 13-1.

What followed in the second period was nothing short of an offensive explosion. Team USA erupted for eight goals in the frame, with scoring contributions from across the lineup. Nichols added his second of the day, and forwards Travis Dodson, Brody Roybal, Joshua Misiewicz, Benjamin Musselman, Malik Jones, and Farmer added to the tally. Roybal notched a pair of goals and an assist, while Farmer also finished with two goals and two helpers.

The Americans’ depth was evident, as 13 different players recorded at least a point. Defensemen David Eustace and Jack Wallace combined for six assists, fueling the transition game and directing the attack from the blue line.

Goalie Jen Lee faced little pressure but remained sharp, turning aside all four shots he saw to earn the shutout. The U.S. defense, anchored by Pauls, Eustace, and Wallace, smothered the Norwegian attack and held them without a shot in several extended stretches.

Norwegian goaltenders Andreas Sundt and Erik Haugen were under relentless pressure. Sundt started the game but was pulled midway through the second period after conceding eight goals. Haugen stopped nine of the 12 shots he faced after entering in relief.

Despite the lopsided score, the contest remained clean. Each team was assessed just one minor penalty, and all 12 American goals came at even strength.

The victory puts Team USA at 1-0 in Group B play atop the group standings after the first round of games. The win also sends an unmistakable message to the rest of the field: the Americans are here to defend their home territory.

Team USA will return to the ice for their next group-stage matchup against Czechia. While the competition will only get tougher from here, Saturday’s dominant showing underscores that USA Hockey is the team to beat in Buffalo.