Former Michigan defenseman Jack Johnson scored twice as the United States opened play at the IIHF world championship with a 4-2 victory over Latvia on Saturday.
Johnson put the Americans ahead for good in the second period with his second goal, scored less than five minutes after former North Dakota forward Drew Stafford tied the game at 2-2.
Patrick O’Sullivan added to the Americans’ advantage in the third.
Robert Esche made 18 saves for the U.S., which plays Latvia on Monday.
On Friday, Canada opened the tournament with a 6-1 victory over Belarus behind two goals and an assist from former Wisconsin forward Dany Heatley.
On Saturday, former Wisconsin goaltender Bernd Bruckler allowed seven goals on 38 shots as Austria lost to Sweden 7-1. Former Minnesota forward Thomas Vanek also is playing for Austria.
