The United States won the B group of the world junior hockey, defeating Finland 6-2

Minnesota freshman Jimmy Snuggerud had a goal and three assists as the United States beat Finland 6-2 on Saturday to win Group B of the World Junior Hockey Championship.

The Americans will face Germany, the fourth team in Group A, in the quarterfinals on Monday. USA was 3-1 in the group.

Snuggerud said they had tough competition with Germany. We cannot take them lightly.

In the other quarterfinals, the champion of Group A, the Czech Republic, will face Switzerland, Canada will face Slovakia, and Finland will face Sweden. Latvia and Austria also meet in the best-of-three elimination round.

Luke Hughes and Logan Cooley each had a goal and an assist for the USA, Chaz Lucius, Rutger McGroarty and Lane Hutson also scored and Trey Augustine made 29 saves.

I thought our level of competition was outstanding tonight, said USA coach Rand Pecknold of Quinnipiac. Our puck control was great and we took a step forward against a good Finnish team.

Lenni Hämeenaho scored a goal and assisted Finland. Joakim Kemell also scored a goal.

I think our defense was not strong enough today, Finnish coach Tomi Lamsa said. Six goals against. We need to help our goalkeeper more.

In the second Group B final in Moncton, Switzerland beat Slovakia 4-3 in a penalty shootout. Rodwin Dionici, defenseman for the Ontario Hockey Leagues Niagara IceDogs, beat Adam Gajan in the 10th round of the semifinal game.

In Halifax’s A group, the Czech Republic beat Germany 8-1 and Canada beat Sweden 5-1.

Jaroslav Chmelar had two goals and an assist for the Czechs in a 5-2 win in Canada’s tournament opener.

Brennan Othmann scored two goals for Canada.