Four former collegiate players scored, and the United States clinched a spot in the qualification round of the World Championships with a 6-1 victory over Austria on Monday.
Drew Stafford (North Dakota), Jason Blake (North Dakota), Lee Stempniak (Dartmouth) and Matt Niskanen (Minnesota-Duluth) all scored, adding to goals by Dustin Brown and Patrick O’Sullivan.
The Americans improved to 2-0 and will play Sweden on Wednesday with first place in Group C on the line.
Robert Esche made 25 saves, including 11 in the second period, for the U.S., which led 2-1 after two periods before breaking out for four third-period goals.
