Friday, November 12, 2010

U.S. National Under-18 Team Tops Finland, 3-2,

Press Release

SUNDSVALL, Sweden - Rocco Grimaldi (Rossmoor, Calif.) scored two goals and Matt McNeely (Burnsville, Minn.) made 25 saves, as the U.S. National Under-18 Team topped Finland, 3-2, here today at Sundsvall Arena, in its opening game of the 2010 Under-18 Four Nations Cup.

"This was a good win for our team," said Ron Rolston, head coach of the U.S. National Under-18 Team. "All 22 players were committed to winning this hockey game and we will need everyone to contribute again tomorrow against a strong Switzerland team."

Team USA had a strong start to the first period, firing 16 shots on Finland goaltender Richard Ullberg. Grimaldi opening the scoring at the 13:25 mark of the frame, when he connected on a pass from Max Everson (Edina, Minn.) to give the U.S. an early 1-0 lead.

Grimaldi then notched another goal with four minutes remaining in the second period to give the U.S. a two-goal advantage. Reid Boucher (Grand Ledge, Mich.) and Tyler Biggs (Cincinnati, Ohio) collected assists on the play.

Finland responded with a goal late in period, but J.T. Miller (East Palestine, Ohio) scored a shorthanded goal less than three minutes into the final frame to increase Team USA's lead, 3-1. While on the penalty kill, Robbie Russo (Westmont, Ill.) sent a pass to Miller, who fired the puck into the back of the net for the eventual game-winning goal.

Finland scored another late goal in the third, but the U.S. held on for the 3-2 victory.

McNeely made 25 saves for Team USA in the win, while Ullberg stopped 43 shots in the loss for Finland.

The U.S. National Under-18 Team will next face Switzerland on Saturday (Nov. 13) at 8 a.m. ET.

NOTES: Team USA outshot Finland, 46-27

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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