United States Beats Russia 4-2 at Ivan Hlinka

The United States Select-18 team rebounded after a tough overtime loss yesterday in their opening game to defeat Russia 4-2 this morning at the Ivan Hlinka tournament.

The United States got goals Nick Schmaltz(North Dakota recruit), Jack Dougherty(uncommitted), JD Dudek(Boston College recruit), and Joe Snively(Yale recruit). Plymouth Whalers goalie Alex Nedeljkovic got the start in goal for the second straight game and picked up his first win of the tournament.

In what was almost a must-win game if the US had any designs on making the medal round, the Americans jumped out to a 2-0 lead after the first period. Russia trimmed the deficit to 2-1 after two periods, but the United States was able to clinch the victory with a strong third period.

The regulation win gives the Americans 4 points after two out of the three round-robin games. A win over co-host Slovakia tomorrow afternoon would clinch a spot in the tournament semifinals for the United States, and would be a fantastic result in a tournament the US has traditionally struggled in.