Brodie Ziemer talks about the Team USA captain

On Friday night in St. Paul, Minnesota, Team USA got off to a strong start to their 2026 World Junior Championship with a 6–3 win over Germany, hoping to make triple-peat history. The Americans built an early lead with three goals in the first period and controlled play throughout the night, outscoring Germany 47–21 to win the game in front of their home crowd.

That early momentum started with Buffalo Sabres potential forward Brody Zimmer at the helm, setting the pace for Team USA. Making his “C” debut for the United States, Zimmer contributed on the scoresheet by assisting on Will Horkoff’s first-period goal to make it 3–0. He stayed involved offensively throughout the night and came close to adding a goal of his own on a breakaway chance in the second period.

The 19-year-old was named captain following the team’s pre-Christmas training camp in Duluth, a decision made by the players, not the coaching staff, as confirmed by head coach Bob Mocko.

Reflecting on his role as captainZiemer shared:

“I’m so honored. Like, I feel super blessed,” he said. “Such a good group of guys to be able to captain, to do it on such a big stage in my home state. Just super blessed, super lucky.”

Wearing jersey No. 74, Zimmer continued the number he has worn since arriving at the University of Minnesota in the fall of 2024, where he became the first Gopher in more than 100 years of program history to wear it. Zimmer confirmed the number was inspired by Minnesota’s TJ Oshie, who wore No. 74 for Team USA during the 2014 Winter Olympics.

On the ice, Team USA struck first when Max Plante scored 5:34 into the opening period by finishing off a rebound off a Teddy Stieg shot. Chase Reed doubled to lead off in the middle of the frame before Zimmer plated Horcoff for a one-out single to make it 3-0. Germany hit back late in the period through Tim Kose and twice in the second half, reducing the score to just one goal twice.

Every German pressure was answered. Will Zellers scored twice in the second period, finishing the night with two goals and an assist, while Cole Yzerman added a goal late in the second to restore the three-goal cushion. The third period was scoreless, but the Americans controlled the game, outscoring Germany 15–4 in the final 20 minutes.

With the win, Team USA now leads Germany 44-12 in goals in the last six meetings. It was also another step in the program’s bid to become the first US team to win three consecutive world junior titles, following gold medal wins in 2024 and 2025.

Zimmer was part of Team USA that won gold at the 2025 World Junior Championships in Ottawa, the most significant highlight of his young career. As group play continues, Team USA will next face Switzerland on Saturday, with Zimmer at the heart of the team’s leadership as the squad chases its first world junior gold on home ice after previous performances by the hosts resulted in bronze medals in 2011 and 2018.