Monday, August 8, 2011

U17s win exhibition

Press Release

ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Daniel Vanderwiel (Island Lake, Ill.) logged a goal and an assist, as the U.S. Under-17 Select Team topped the Czech Republic, 3-1, in its lone exhibition game leading up to the 2011 Under-17 Five Nations Tournament.

Team USA will begin tournament play on Tuesday (Aug. 9) in a rematch against the Czech Republic, with puck drop slated for 7 p.m. EDT.

After the Czech Republic opened the scoring nine minutes into the first period, Team USA responded six minutes later when Vanderweil connected off of assists by Alex Schoenborn (Minot, N.D.) and RJ Gicewicz (Orchard Park, N.Y.).

Team USA built a two-goal lead in the second period thanks to a shorthanded tally by Connor Clifton (Matawan, N.J.) and a goal by Gabe Guertler (Plantation, Fla.). Meanwhile, the U.S. defense and goaltenders Thatcher Demko (San Diego, Calif.) and Devin Williams (Saginaw, Mich.) shut down the Czech Republic, eliminating any comeback bid. Team USA's goaltending duo combined to make 27 saves in the win.

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

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