Thursday, December 30, 2010

TWO FROM SAMUELSSON LEADS AMERICANS TO OPENING WIN

Press Release

The defending champions carried that momentum into the opening game of the 2011 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, scoring a 5-2 win over Finland Wednesday afternoon at the MTS Iceplex. Finland hasn’t medaled in the tournament since capturing bronze in 1999.

Finnish goalie Oskari Setänen withstood an early American attack but couldn’t stop a Henrik Samuelsson breakaway ten minutes into the first period. Connor Carrick, Matthew Lane and Nicolas Kerdiles also scored for the Americans. Setänen posted 46 saves and was named Finland’s player of the game while Samuelsson – son of former NHLer Ulf Samuelsson – finished with a pair of goals.

Despite Setänen’s strong play, the Americans were too much for Finland to handle. Their offensive attack showcased several highlight-reel goals and was complemented by their strong defensive play. Their forecheck kept the puck in Finland’s zone for most of the game and at one point sent the stick of Finland’s Markus Kojo flying into the rafters.

After giving up five goals through two periods, Finland kept the U.S. at bay while adding goals from Topi Nättinen in the second period and Jusso Ikonen late in the third. However, it was too little, too late as the deficit was too large to overcome.

With the win, the U.S. keeps pace with Quebec, tying them for first in Group A with three points. Both teams play next on Thursday in Portage la Prairie, with the Americans facing Germany and Finland playing Quebec.

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

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