Ryan Leonard broke through for his first goal at the 2025 World Junior Championship on Saturday afternoon. Leonard’s goal was Team USA’s second in their 5-1 victory over Latvia.
The 19-year-old winger found the back of the net 5:08 into the second period with the USA on a power play. The slam dunk goal at the back post was his third point of the tournament after a two-assist performance against Germany on Thursday.
James Hagens and Gabe Perreault, who have served as Leonard’s linemates for both Team USA and Boston College, earned the assists. The goal marks Leonard’s fourth ever at the World Juniors after he potted three in seven games last year en route to a gold medal.
The Washington Capitals’ top prospect skated 14:56 of total ice time as Team USA led for the majority of the game and are preparing for back-to-back action against Finland on Sunday. He fired a game-high seven shots on goal, giving him 16 total shots through two games.
Cole Hutson didn’t get on the scoresheet after recording five assists against Germany. The 18-year-old rearguard was again the USA’s second-leading minutes man, though, playing 20:52 of ice time. He also fired five shots on net, the most of any defenseman in the game.
Latvia could not build off their historic upset of Canada on Friday night. Eriks Mateiko, another Capitals prospect, fired one shot on goal and played 17:09 of total ice time in a losing effort.
