Saturday, November 12, 2011

U.S. National Under-18 Team Defeats Finland, 3-1, in 2011 Under-18 Four Nations Tournament

Press Release

MONTHEY, Switzerland - Matthew Lane (Rochester, N.Y.) tallied the eventual game-winning goal early in the second period and Collin Olson (Apple Valley, Minn.) stopped 24 shots, as the U.S. National Under-18 Team defeated Finland, 3-1, in the second round-robin game of the 2011 Under-18 Four Nations Tournament here today at Monthey Arena.


“We skated hard for the entire 60 minutes," said Danton Cole, head coach of the U.S. National Under-18 Team. "This team has earned the right to play for the tournament title and we look forward to a competitive game against Switzerland tomorrow."


The U.S. struck first at 2:00 of the opening period when Nicolas Kerdiles (Irvine, Calif.) converted on the power play. Ryan Hartman (West Dundee, Ill.) collected the lone assist on the goal. Netminder Olson stopped all 10 Finland shots he faced in the first frame.


Lane notched what would become the game-winning tally just 16 seconds into the middle stanza to double the U.S. lead. Team USA drew three consecutive power plays and put 14 shots on goal in the period in search of its third goal. Jacob Trouba (Rochester, Mich.) eventually capitalized at 18:54 when he buried the puck in the net off passes from Connor Carrick (Orland Park, Ill.) and Stefan Matteau (Chicago, Ill.).


Finland notched a late tally in the final frame to pull with two goals, but the U.S. held on for the 3-1 victory. Olson made 24 total saves for Team USA in the victory.


The U.S. National Under-18 Team will conclude tournament play against host country Switzerland on Sunday (Nov. 13) at 10:00 a.m. EST. Team USA defeated the Swiss, 6-0, in exhibition play on Wednesday (Nov. 9).

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

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