On Friday afternoon, the IIHF held its first ever outdoor game in World Junior Championship history. Team USA took on Team Canada at New Era Field in Buffalo, New York. The hockey game was an instant classic. The game ended with a shootout under blizzard-like conditions.
With up to three inches of snow falling during the game and temperatures in the teens, the game was an experience unlike any other for the players and fans alike. 44,594 people were in attendance, setting a new World Junior attendance record.
We collected some of the best snowy scenes from the game.
GIFs
Defenseman Ryan Lindgren surprises goaltender Carter Hart with a crazy snow shower stop.
Kieffer Bellows celebrates his first goal of the tournament.
Team USA celebrates a huge power-play goal in the third period.
Goaltender Jake Oettinger stretches while his jersey is iced over from his water bottle sprays.
An ice crew member pushes a snow plow.
Brady Tkachuk looks at the snow.
American fans in the crowd dance while wearing flag overalls.
Team USA’s power-play goal.
The USA bench celebrates the PPG.
Brady Tkachuk celebrates his shootout goal.
Team USA forwards Kieffer Bellows and Casey Mittelstadt sit on a snowy bench.
Team USA walks out between a marching band.
Backup goaltender Jeremy Swayman looks very cold.
The team celebrates after beating Canada in the shootout.
Team USA gives a stick salute to the crowd.
The game was wild. After Canada took an early 2-0 lead in the first period, USA came back to the tie the game 3-3 in the third. Of course neither team could win in regulation or overtime so the frigid event went to a shootout. The USA took home the W in round four.
Team USA is now second in Group A with 5 points. The top four teams in each group will move onto the second round of the tournament.
Headline Image: @usahockey
