ND hockey: Slaggert goal gives Team USA 3-2 victory in World Juniors

Notre Dame sophomore forward Landon Slaggert’s second-period goal proved to be the game-winner as Team USA opened defense of its gold medal with a 3-2 victory over Slovakia Sunday in the International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Hockey Championship at Red Deer, Alberta.

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The goal by Slaggert, an alternate captain on his second straight Team USA team, came at 12:42 of the second period and put Team USA up 3-0. It came after power-play goals in the first period by forwards Matthew Knies of Minnesota (13:35) and Mackie Samoskevich of Michigan (15:18). 

Team USA, which had a 42-25 shot advantage, then survived a third-period rally as Martin Chromiak scored twice for Slovakia, the last goal with 2:33 remaining in regulation. Goalie Drew Commesso, who plays for Boston University, made 23 saves for Team USA.

Team USA, a member of Group B with Slovakia, Switzerland, Sweden and Russia, plays Switzerland Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. ET.