Switzerland routs Austria 9-0 to stay perfect at ice hockey worlds, US faces Germany
Switzerland's Nico Hischier, right, scores the fifth goal to Austria's goaltender David Kickert, left, during the 2026 IIHF Men's Ice Hockey World Championship preliminary round group A game between Austria and Switzerland, in Zurich, Switzerland, Wednesday, May 20, 2026. Credit: AP/Claudio Thoma
ZURICH — Switzerland routed Austria 9-0 on Wednesday to keep a perfect record at the ice hockey world championship.
Theo Rochette, Nico Hischier and Damien Riat each scored two goals as the Swiss won their fourth straight game to lead Group A in Zurich with 12 points.
Sven Andrighetto had three assists and Leonardo Genoni stopped 20 shots.
After finishing runner-up the previous two years, host Switzerland hopes for more in front of the home supporters.
Austria remains on nine points after its first loss.
In Group B in Fribourg, Czechia rallied late to edge winless Italy 3-1.
Nicholas Saracino put Italy in front 1-0 in the second period — for only the second goal by Italy at the worlds.
Switzerland's Theo Rochette, right in white, scores the teams first goal against, from left, Austria's Ian Scherzer, Austria's Ramon Schnetzer and Austria's goaltender David Kickert during the 2026 IIHF Men's Ice Hockey World Championship preliminary round group A game between Austria and Switzerland, in Zurich, Switzerland, Wednesday, May 20, 2026. Credit: AP/Claudio Thoma
Early in the third, Marek Alscher tied it at 1-1 and Jakub Flek scored the eventual winner with 8:55 left. Dominik Kubalík added an empty-netter.
The Czechs, atop their group with 10 points, outshot Italy 58-15.
Later Wednesday, the United States hopes to recover from a loss to Finland on Monday when it faces Germany. Also, Sweden plays Slovenia.
