China’s participation in the men’s tournament was only confirmed in December by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).

The IIHF had been evaluating whether China would keep its host nation spot, following warnings there could be “scary results” at the Games due to the gulf between the Chinese squad and the major ice hockey nations.

Approval was granted for China to remain in the event following evaluations of Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) matches for Kunlun Red Star, the Beijing-based team which has featured all 25 members of the Olympic squad this season.

China restricted the United States in the opening period of the match at the National Indoor Stadium, with a solitary effort from Brendan Brisson separating the two teams.

Goals from Noah Cates, Brian O’Neill and Sean Farrell saw the US extend their advantage to 4-0 by the end of the second.

Farrell completed a hat-trick on his Olympic debut with a further two goals in the final period, with Matty Beniers and Ben Meyers also on target to seal an 8-0 victory.

The result is among the heaviest defeats suffered in the men’s tournament in recent Games, matching South Korea’s loss to Switzerland at Pyeongchang 2018.

Canada overcame Norway 9-0 in the round robin stage at Vancouver 2010, while Austria suffered a 9-1 loss to Russia at Lillehammer 1994.

The Chinese team, largely made up of naturalised players, have admitted the Olympic tournament will be a learning experience for the squad.

"We were excited, it's been a long time coming," Ye Jinguang, known in the west as Brandon Yip and who has played in the National Hockey League for the Colorado Avalanche, Nashville Predators and the Phoenix Coyotes, said.

"I thought we had a great start. 

"We were physical, took care of the puck early, then we made too many defensive mistakes.

"The US is a good team, the young guys are fast, a lot faster here on a small ice, so I think we can take a lot from tonight's game.

"It's been a big learning experience.

"There's a bigger picture here, it's not only about competing in the Olympics, it's about making China proud.

"We're in the sport that we all love.

"Hockey is a great game and it's for everyone."

The US team will hope to build on the opening day victory, with seven of their eight goals scored by college players due to the absence of National Hockey League (NHL) stars at Beijing 2022.

Canada has also been impacted by the NHL withdrawal, but opened the tournament with a 5-1 win over Pyeongchang 2018 silver medallists Germany in Group A.

The Russian Olympic Committee began Group B with a 1-0 win over Switzerland, while Denmark were 2-1 winners against the Czech Republic.

Finland were 6-2 winners over Slovakia in Group C, as Sweden edged Latvia 3-2.