U.S. National Under-17 Team Blanks Switzerland, 2-0, in Exhibition

Press Release

MONTHEY, Switzerland - Alex Tuch (Baldwinsville, N.Y.) scored one goal and added one assist, as the U.S. National Under-17 Team blanked Switzerland, 2-0, in a 2012 Under-17 Four Nations Tournament pre-tournament contest at Patinoire de Monthey.

"The team played well in its first international game together", said Danton Cole, head coach of the U.S. National Under-17 Team. "Defensively we were solid and we also had a lot of excellent scoring chances in the other end. It was important for us to get this game experience and we now have a chance to make adjustments, rest and be ready for our first tournament game."

Team USA struck first when Joe Wegwerth (Brewster, N.Y.) tallied a goal at 16:42 of the opening frame. Tuch recorded an assist on the play.

After a scoreless second stanza, Tuch secured the victory with a tally at 16:47 of the final frame. Jack Glover (Golden Valley, Minn.) collected an assist on the score.

Edwin Minney (Wind Gap, Pa.) and Eric Schierhorn (Anchorage, Alaska) combined efforts to earn the shutout win for Team USA, while Ludovic Waeber and Gilles Senn split duties in net for Switzerland in the loss.

Team USA will open tournament play on Friday (Nov. 9) against Slovakia. Puck drop is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. EST at Patinoire de Monthey.

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)