Saturday, February 11, 2012

5 Nations: U.S. falls to Finland

Press Release

PORI, Finland - Collin Olson (Apple Valley, Minn.) made 35 saves, as the U.S. National Under-18 Team fell to Finland, 4-0, in 2012 Five Nations Tournament play here this evening at Pori Arena. With the loss, Team USA falls to 1-0-0-2 (W-OTW-OTL-L).

"The game came down to special teams," said Danton Cole, head coach of the U.S. National Under-18 Team. "We took too many penalties and Finland was able to capitalize. But we still have one game left in the tourament and we want to finish strong."

Finland netted back-to-back power-play goals just over a minute apart midway through the first frame. Team USA managed six shots in the period, but couldn't find the back of the net and found itself down, 2-0, heading into the first intermission.

The U.S. and Finland skated to a scoreless second stanza. Finland was awarded a penalty shot at 18:36, but Olson stopped the attempt to keep it a two-goal contest. Two third period goals by Finland, one scored with the man advantage, put the game out of reach for Team USA. Finnish goaltender Atte Tolvanen stopped all nine U.S. shots in the period to claim the 4-0 victory.

The U.S. National Under-18 Team concludes tournament play against Russia on Sunday (Feb. 12) at 10:30 a.m. EST. The game will be held at Pori Arena. A complete Team USA schedule is below.

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

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