Sunday, November 11, 2012

U.S. National Under-17 Team Claims 2012 Four Nations Tournament Title

Press Release

MONTHEY, Switzerland - Sonny Milano (Massapequa, N.Y.) netted two goals and added an assist, as the U.S. National Under-17 Team clinched the 2012 Under-17 Four Nations Tournament title with a 6-1 win over Switzerland today at Patinoire de Monthey. Team USA finishes the tournament with a 2-1-0-0 (W-OTW-OTL-L).

"The team played very well today and skated hard the whole sixty minutes," said Danton Cole, head coach of the U.S. National Under-17 Team. "It was a successful tournament for the guys and we'll look to carry this momentum with us moving forward."

Nathan Billitier (Spencerport, N.Y.) put the U.S. on the board at 10:45 of the opening period. Alex Tuch (Baldwinsville, N.Y.) assisted on the power play strike. Milano doubled the Team USA lead at 17:46. The power play goal was assisted on by Jack Glover (Golden Valley, Minn.) and Brandon Fortunato (North Hills, N.Y.).

Switzerland cut the U.S. lead in half at 3:45 of the middle frame. Team USA went back up by two scores when Milano netted his second goal of the contest at 6:01. Louis Belpedio (Skokie, Ill.) collected an assist on the tally. Ryan Hitchcock (Manhasset, N.Y.) notched a goal at 15:48 and the U.S. enjoyed a 4-1 lead heading into the second intermission. Glover and Milano registered assists on the play.

Tuch netted a goal at 5:50 of the final frame. The tally was scored with the man advantage, Team USA's third power play strike of the game. Dylan Larkin (Waterford, Mich.) added a late goal and the U.S. skated away with a 6-1 victory.

Eric Schierhorn (Anchorage, Alaska) made 22 saves for the U.S. in the win, while Ludovic Waeber stopped 29 shots for Switzerland in the loss.

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

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