Boston Bruins prospect James Hagens delivered a standout performance for the United States at the IIHF World Junior Championship, scoring two goals in a little over one minute to help lift Team USA to a 6-5 victory over Slovakia on Monday night.
Hagens, a forward from Hauppauge, New York, showcased the skills that led the Bruins to select him seventh overall in the 2025 NHL Draft. Currently playing collegiate hockey at Boston College, Hagens took center stage during the high-scoring matchup, finding the back of the net twice in a span of just 1 minute and 3 seconds. His quick-strike performance was a key moment in a tightly contested game.
The game, held as part of the round-robin stage of the World Junior Championship, saw both teams engage in an offensive battle, with momentum shifting throughout the contest. Team USA relied on contributions from all lines but benefited greatly from Hagens’ scoring burst, which helped the Americans respond to a persistent Slovakian team.
While Team USA led at various stages of the game, Slovakia kept themselves within striking distance, preventing the Americans from building a comfortable lead. The back-and-forth nature of the game kept the pressure high, but the U.S. squad ultimately hung on in the final minutes to secure the win.
Hagens’ performance reinforces the potential that made him a top-10 NHL draft pick and is likely to be encouraging for both Team USA and the Boston Bruins organization. His offensive instincts and ability to generate scoring opportunities in key moments were on display against a resilient Slovakian side.
The United States will continue its campaign in the world juniors with hopes of building momentum from this close win. Hagens’ impact in this game sets the tone for his potential contributions in the remainder of the tournament, as Team USA looks to contend for a medal.
