Five former college players scored as the United States opened qualification round play at the World Championship with a 6-2 victory over France on Friday.
David Backes, formerly of Minnesota State, had a goal and two assists. Kyle Okposo (Minnesota), Ryan Shannon (Boston College), Keith Ballard (Minnesota), Jack Johnson (Michigan) and Patrick O’Sullivan also scored for the Americans, who outshot France 41-16.
The U.S. has seven points in the tournament, one behind Group E leader Russia. The Americans and the Russians square off Saturday in the second of three second-round games.
United States goaltender Al Montoya (Michigan) made 14 saves and allowed a pair of power-play goals.
Former Massachusetts-Lowell player Yorick Treille scored and Laurent Meunier, who also played at UML, had two assists. Another former River Hawks player, Baptiste Amar, is playing for France.
