U.S. Romps To Spot In Semifinals

Erik Rasmussen scored two goals and set up two more to lead the United States to an 8-0 win over Germany and a spot in the semifinals of the World Junior Hockey Championships.

The Americans, who have never won the world junior title, finished the round-robin play atop the group A standings with a record of 3-0-1.

Canada (2-0-2) finished the round-robin portion with a 3-3 tie with the Czech Republic. The Canadians, coached by the Spokane Chiefs’ Mike Babcock and looking for a record fifth consecutive title, will meet Slovakia in a quarterfinal match today.