Thursday, February 9, 2012

U.S. tops Czechs at Five Nations

Press Release

RAUMA, Finland - Riley Barber (Livonia, Mich.) netted three goals, as the U.S. National Under-18 Team defeated the Czech Republic, 5-2, in the 2012 Five Nations Tournament opener here this evening at Rauma Arena.

"The guys came out strong and earned this victory," said Danton Cole, head coach of the U.S. National Under-18 Team. "We have to come out with the same hard-working attitude tomorrow against a talented Swedish team."

Team USA scored first at 6:47 of the opening period when Barber deposited the puck into the net for his first goal of the game. Quentin Shore (Denver, Colo.) and Jacob Trouba (Rochester, Mich.) earned assists on the play. Nicolas Kerdiles (Irvine, Calif.) then converted the only power-play opportunity of the frame at 9:18 to give the U.S. a 2-0 lead. Brady Skjei (Lakeville, Minn.) and Seth Jones (Plano, Texas) collected assists on the score. Connor Carrick (Orland Park, Ill.) tallied the final goal of the period at 12:08 off a Brendan Silk (Wakefield, Mass.) pass, giving Team USA a 3-0 lead at the first intermission.

Carrick set-up Barber for his second goal of the game at 2:55 of the middle frame. The Czech Republic notched a power-play marker at 10:19, but the U.S. held a 4-1 advantage after two periods of action.

Barber completed the hat trick at 3:02 of the third period. Skjei and Jones both recorded their second assists of the game on the goal. The Czech Republic scored a power-play goal at 16:36, but the U.S. skated away with a 5-2 victory. Collin Olson (Apple Valley, Minn.) stopped 13 shots for Team USA in the win, while Marek Langhamer turned aside 43 shots for the Czech Republic in the loss.

The U.S. National Under-18 Team continues tournament play against Sweden on Friday (Feb. 10) at 12:30 p.m. EST. The game will be held at Panelia Arena. A complete Team USA schedule is below.

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

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