Under-18 Team Rolls Over Finland at Five Nations Tournament

Press Release

DMITROV, Russia - Jack Eichel (North Chelmsford, Mass./2-1), Sonny Milano (Massapequa, N.Y./0-3) and Alex Tuch (Baldwinsville, N.Y./1-2) had three points each as the U.S. National Under-18 Team rolled over Finland, 8-3, here today at Dmitrov Arena. With the win, Team USA's record at the 2014 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament improves to 2-0-0-0 (W-OTW-OTL-L).

After a scoreless first period, Johnathan MacLeod (Dracut, Mass.) opened the scoring just 25 seconds into the second. The goal, scored while Team USA enjoyed a two-man advantage, was assisted on by Brandon Fortunato (North Hills, N.Y.) and Milano. Finland evened the score at 4:59 before Tuch responded for the U.S. at 6:24. Dylan Pavelek (Marysville, Mich.) extended the lead, 3-1, but Finland climbed back to within one midway through the frame. Back-to-back markers, potted in the last two minutes of the period, put Team USA up, 5-2, heading into the third stanza. Shane Gersich (Chaska, Minn.) and Eichel lit the lamp for the Americans.

Eichel tallied his second of the game at 7:03 of the third period, teaming up with Tuch and Milano who earned assists on the play. Dylan Larkin (Waterford, Mich.) found the back of the net at 9:53 to further extend the team USA advantage, 7-2. Finland struck on the power play at 12:05, but Ryan Wagner (Park Ridge, Ill.) answered nine seconds later and the U.S. skated away with the 8-3 win.

Edwin Minney (Wind Gap, Pa.) kicked out 25 shots in the victory for Team USA, while Kaapo Kahkonen and Veini Vehvilainen combined to make 20 saves in the loss for Finland.

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