Under-18 Team earns OT victory over Finland at Four Nations

Press Release

TURKE, Finland - Jack Eichel (North Chelmsford, Mass.) tallied the game-winning goal in overtime and added an assist as the U.S. National Under-18 Team defeated Finland, 4-3, here tonight at Kupittaa Arena. With the win, Team USA improved to 0-1-0-1 (W-OTW-OTL-L) at the 2013 Under-18 Four Nations Tournament.

"Tonight's game is another reminder that we have to work hard all game long and good things will happen," said Danton Cole, head coach of the U.S. National Under-18 Team. "Our guys didn't give up and now we can focus on closing out the tournament against Switzerland tomorrow."

Sonny Milano (Massapequa, N.Y.) struck first for the U.S. just 1:25 into the opening frame. Alex Tuch (Baldwinsville, N.Y.) and Eichel set up the play, each earning an assist.

Finland knotted the score at the 2:00 mark of the second stanza. Team USA quickly retook the lead when Ryan Donato (Scituate, Mass.) lit the lamp 15 seconds later. Tuch have the U.S. a two-goal cushion at 13:40, but the Finns answered back in rapid succession, scoring less than two minutes later and then again to tie the game, 3-3, on a power-play goal 42 seconds later.

Both teams were held scoreless in the third period, sending the contest into overtime. Eichel lifted the U.S. over Finland with a goal at 2:34 of the extra frame.

Eric Schierhorn (Anchorage, Alaska) made 22 saves in the win for Team USA, while Kaapo Kahkonen turned aside 39 shots in the loss for Finland.

The U.S. National Under-18 Team wraps up tournament play tomorrow (Nov. 10) versus Switzerland. Puck drop is scheduled for 6 a.m. EST at Kupittaa Arena.


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