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A heartbreaking announcement was just made regarding two Boston Bruins prospects

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Austin Sabourin
January 3, 2026 (10:43)

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Friday night was supposed to be the next step toward another medal run, but it turned into a gut punch for Bruins fans tracking their top prospects. Finland stunned the Americans 4-3 in overtime in the quarterfinals.

The finish was ruthless. Arttu Valila scored 2:11 into the extra frame, and just like that, Hagens and Zellers were packing for home instead of prepping for the semifinals.

That's what makes this one sting, because the U.S. came into the tournament as the two-time defending gold medalist. Home ice, a loud building, and still no safety net when the bounce goes the other way.

James Hagens and Will Zellers end early

A lot of Bruins fans were furious that Will Zellers never got a 3-on-3 shift, and I can't blame them for asking questions.

Zellers earned trust all tournament. He opened the event with two goals and an assist against Germany, then kept producing with a clutch game-winner versus Switzerland in group play.

Hagens brought his usual pace and poise, too. Earlier in the week he chipped in an assist against Germany and kept things moving as a key driver through the early games.

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The hard part is that a single overtime doesn't erase what either player showed. Zellers looked like the pure finisher Boston hopes turns into real NHL offense, and Hagens still carried himself like a future centerpiece.

Finland just did what Finland always does at this tournament. They stayed patient, clogged the middle, and waited for one mistake, then buried the moment.

For the Bruins organization, it's a bittersweet ending. The run is over, but the takeaway is clear: Boston has two young forwards who belong on big stages, and they're going to remember this one for a long time.

Previously on Boston Hockey Insider

Pavel Zacha to be traded by the Boston Bruins: A major development has surfaced per Frank Seravalli

It's now official for David Pastrnak and five other Boston Bruins players: Per insider

Two Boston Bruins players snubbed from the 2026 Winter Olympics

POLL
JANVIER 3 \| 69 ANSWERS A heartbreaking announcement was just made regarding two Boston Bruins prospects Did Team USA make a mistake not using Will Zellers in overtime against Finland?
▢ Yes big miss
▢ No coaches call
▢ Both true
▢ Just unlucky

A heartbreaking announcement was just made regarding two Boston Bruins prospects

Friday night was supposed to be the next step toward another medal run, but it turned into a gut punch for Bruins fans tracking their top prospects. Finland stunned the Americans 4-3 in overtime in the quarterfinals.

James Hagens and Will Zellers end early

Did Team USA make a mistake not using Will Zellers in overtime against Finland?