Caufield scores pair in USA’s win over Poland

MONTREAL – Cole Caufield scored twice and was named Player of the Game for the United States at the 2024 IIHF World Championship in Czechia on Friday.

Caufield was one of two members of the Canadiens’ organization in action on Day 8. Habs prospect Vinzenz Rohrer also suited up for Austria, who dropped a 4-0 decision to Czechia.

Here’s a recap of both games:

CZECHIA 4 – 0 AUSTRIA

Czechia used goals from Ondrej Kase, Dominik Kubalik, Jakub Flek and David Tomasek to cruise to victory over Austria. 

The win propelled the Czechs to the top of Group A with 12 points, one ahead of Canada and Switzerland, despite having played one more game than each country.

Rohrer registered one shot on goal and was even in the plus/minus department in 11:32 of ice time.

POLAND 1 – 4 UNITED STATES

Michael Kesselring and Brady Tkachuk started the scoring for the United States, who owned a 2-0 advantage through two periods. From there, Caufield took the wheel for the Americans with a pair of third-period tallies.

Following a wraparound attempt, the Mosinee, WI native accepted a feed from Tkachuk and found the top corner for his first career World Championship goal.

P3 1:11 0-[3] Caufield (Tkachuk)

Soon after that, the Habs winger doubled down, burying Tkachuk’s rebound on the doorstep to regain USA’s three-goal lead. 

P3 9:15 1-[4] Caufield (Tkachuk, Pinto)

Caufield finished the game with a team-leading eight (!) shots on goal and was plus-3 in 13:56 of action against Poland.

What’s next?

Kaiden Guhle and Canada square off with Oliver Kapanen and Finland at 10:20 a.m. ET (TSN1, TSN3 and RDS2) on Saturday. Juraj Slafkovsky and Slovakia play France at 2:20 p.m. (TSN3 and RDS2).

Cover photo: Matt Zambonin/IIHF