U.S. wins Five Nations opener

Press Release

HRADEC KRALOVE, Czech Republic - Rocco Grimaldi (Rossmoor, Calif.) netted three goals and added an assist and Reid Boucher (Grand Ledge, Mich.) recorded three assists as the U.S. National Under-18 Team opened the Five Nations tournament with a convincing 6-2 win over Sweden at Novy Bydzov Arena.


"Everyone contributed to this win and it was a complete team effort," said Ron Rolston, head coach of the U.S. National Under-18 Team. "It was an excellent start to a very difficult tournament."


Team USA jumped out to a quick lead when Blake Pietila (Brighton, Mich.) fired a wrist shot just under the crossbar at 2:39 of the opening frame. Cole Bardreau (Fairport, N.Y.) earned an assist on the play. Adam Reid (Chino Hills, Calif.) added to the U.S. lead when he scored off a feed from Zac Larraza (Scottsdale, Ariz.).


Up 2-0 heading into the second period, the U.S. gave up two goals to Sweden. With the score tied, team USA struck back when J.T. Miller (East Palestine, Ohio) scored from the slot. Miller was set up by Grimaldi, who worked from behind the Swedish net to find his open teammate. Nicolas Kerdiles (Irvine, Calif.) also collected an assist. Grimaldi put the U.S. back up by two goals with a shot from the middle of the face-off circle. The score, a five-on-three tally, was assisted by Robbie Russo (Westmont, Ill.) and Boucher.


The U.S. continued to pressure the opposition and it resulted in a breakaway tally by Grimaldi, his second goal of the game. Boucher and Russo were again credited with assists on the play. Grimaldi would put the game away when he netted his third goal for the hat trick. Jake McCabe (Eau Claire, Wis.) collected an assist and Boucher registered his third as the U.S. won 6-2.


John Gibson (Pittsburgh, Pa.) earned the victory for Team USA, while Oscar Dansk was in goal for Sweden in the loss.


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