Under-18 Team Tripped Up by Finland in Opening Game at Five Nations Tournament

Press Release

JONKOPING, Sweden - Tyler Kelleher (Longmeadow, Mass.) tallied two goals, as the U.S. National Under-18 Team was tripped up by Finland, 4-2, at the 2013 Five Nations Tournament here today at Kinnarps Arena.

"We had a number of chances today but just couldn't convert," said Don Granato, head coach of the U.S. National Under-18 Team. "We'll take tomorrow to regroup and focus our efforts on facing the Czech Republic on Friday."

Team USA found the back of the net first at 7:18 of the opening frame. Kelleher potted the goal for the U.S. with the lone assist awarded to Evan Allen (Sterling Heights, Mich.). Finland struck back at 15:23 on the power play to knot the game at one goal apiece. The Americans outshot its opponent, 12-7, in the frame.

Finland grabbed the lead at 7:17 of the middle frame. Team USA fired 12 shots on Finnish netminder Juuse Saros, but could not find the equalizer before time expired on the period.

Kelleher notched the game-tying goal at 1:15 of the third period. Allen earned his second assist of the game on the score. Finland responded just under two minutes later to retake the lead, 3-2. Team USA found itself down by a pair of goals at 11:18 when Finland lit the lamp once more. The U.S. pulled its netminder at 19:26 in favor of the attacker, but the gamble would not generate the offense needed and the Americans fell, 4-2, to the Finns.

Hunter Miska (North Branch, Minn.) made 18 saves in the loss for Team USA, while Saros turned aside 36 shots in the victory for Finland.

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