Ryan Leonard got his 2026 World Championship journey underway on Sunday afternoon.
The Washington Capitals winger skated on Team USA’s top line in a 5-2 tune-up, exhibition win over Germany. The game, which took place in Mannheim, Germany, is the lone warmup contest that the Americans will play before jumping straight into preliminary group action against host Switzerland on Friday.
Leonard lined up on the right wing of the first line, forming a trio with Pittsburgh Penguins center Tommy Novak and Chicago Blackhawks forward Oliver Moore.
Team USA lines against Germany in World Championship tune-up game
Leonard helped the Americans get on the scoresheet first, providing the primary assist on Ryker Lee‘s power-play goal at the 13:31 mark of the first period.
While skating on the team’s first man-advantage unit, Leonard picked up a pass from Justin Faulk and fed a slick pass down low to Lee from the left faceoff circle. Lee then lifted a beautiful backhand over the shoulder of goaltender Philipp Grubauer.
Leonard finished the game with one point — the assist, one shot on goal, and one minor penalty for interference. He skated 15:17 of total ice time in the win.
The 2026 World Championship will be Leonard’s second stint at the senior level with Team USA after he played in six games for the Americans at the 2024 World Championship. He has excelled at the junior level on the international stage, winning back-to-back gold medals at the World Juniors in 2024 and 2025.
Leonard is seemingly the lone Capitals player heading to Switzerland, barring any late additions. Head coach Spencer Carbery and goaltending coach Scott Murray are also serving as coaches for Team Canada at the tournament.
