Team USA wrapped up their group-stage campaign at the 2025 World Para Ice Hockey Championship with a hard-fought 4-3 victory over Czechia on Tuesday at LECOM Harborcenter in Buffalo. The win secured a perfect 3-0 record in Group B, as the Americans held off a late rally from the Czechs to maintain their undefeated status heading into the knockout rounds.

The Americans jumped out to a strong start in the first period. David Eustace opened the scoring early, and Declan Farmer followed later in the frame with a goal assisted by Jack Wallace. Team USA dominated the opening 15 minutes, outshooting Czechia 13-2 and heading into intermission with a 2-0 advantage.

Czechia responded in the second period with a goal from Michal Geier to cut the deficit in half. But the U.S. regained control with two key goals — one from Wallace midway through the period and another from Farmer just before the buzzer. Despite a late penalty to Kayden Beasley, Team USA maintained a 4-1 lead heading into the third.

The final period brought the tournament’s toughest test yet for the Americans. Czechia capitalized on a power play to make it 4-2, then added another goal shortly afterward to pull within one. With time winding down, Czechia kept the pressure on, but the Americans held strong, backed by key stops from goaltender Jen Lee and a composed defensive effort.

“Going into the third we really just knew that we had to keep the intensity up. We couldn’t let anything easy in,” said Eustace postgame. “I took a bad penalty and they got one off of that. We kind of slowed up for a little bit, but we got our intensity back and finished it off well.”

Lee finished with 11 saves on 14 shots. On the offensive end, Farmer led the way with two goals and an assist. Wallace and Eustace each scored once, with Wallace also picking up an assist. Travis Dodson, Benjamin Musselman, and Evan Nichols added helpers as well, showing the team’s continued balance and depth.

Czech goaltender Patrik Sedlacek made 25 saves on 29 shots. Despite being outshot 29-14, Czechia pushed Team USA harder than any opponent thus far.

With group play complete, Team USA advances to Friday’s semifinal, where they’ll face a strong and fast Chinese squad with a trip to the gold medal game on the line.

When asked about his mindset heading into the next game, Eustace didn’t hesitate: “WIN! Play with intensity. Play hard. Play physical. Hit ’em. And gotta come out in the gold medal game.”