WHITEFISH — Whitefish native Jake Sanderson made his Olympic debut Friday evening against Canada in the preliminary round. However, according to U.S.A.Hockey Sanderson is not on the U.S. men's hockey line up against Germany due to an undisclosed injury. U.S.A. Hockey reported that he was injured in his first game back against Canada, and as of right now, he is day-to-day.
Sanderson has not had any easy Olympic journey so far. Less than a week from Team U.S.A.'s opening hockey game at the 2022 Winter Olympics, he was stuck in COVID-19 protocol but made his Olympic debut in game two against China.
The University of North Dakota defenseman helped lead Team U.S.A. to their win against Canada for the first time in 12 years. Sanderson came out of the gate meeting expectations. Late in the first period, Sanderson led an offensive attack and got the puck right in front of Ben Meyers for the goal making it 2-1 U.S.A. going into the second period. Sanderson ended his Olympic debut with one assist and one shot on goal.
Team USA beat Germany 3-2 Sunday morning, and will have a bye into the quarterfinals.
