ZURICH (AP) — Switzerland started a quest for its first ice hockey world championship title by defeating the defending champion United States 3-1 on Friday in a rematch of last year's final.
Sven Andrighetto and Pius Suter led the Swiss with two-point games each and goaltender Leonardo Genoni made 19 saves in front of the roaring crowd in Zurich.
Suter knocked in a pass from Andrighetto from close range to give the hosts a 1-0 lead 2:03 in and Andrighetto added the second with 8:41 to go in the first period from a tight angle with Suter assisting.
Alex Steeves found the back of the net for the U.S. 8:45 into the final period, roofing the puck that bounced off the boards behind the goal.
Amid the ensuing U.S. pressure, Ken Jager deflected in a shot by Simon Knak from the blue line with 3:39 left.
After finishing runner-up the previous two years, host Switzerland hopes for more in front of the home supporters.
The Americans have only two men on the roster from last year, forwards Mason Lohrei and Isaac Howard, when they won their second world championship and first since 1933. They prevailed over Switzerland 1-0 in overtime in the final in Stockholm.
The U.S. next faces Britain, a newcomer to the top division, on Sunday.
