SB Nation College Hockey - Team USA Goes for Fifth Straight Gold at World U-18 Championships in Sochi, RussiaCollege Hockey's Home on the Blogospherehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49993/wchb-fav.png2013-04-28T11:24:23-07:00http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/rss/stream/40036052013-04-28T11:24:23-07:002013-04-28T11:24:23-07:00Canada Beats US 3-2 to Take U18 Gold
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<figcaption>Richard Wolowicz</figcaption>
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<p>Canada snaps the US streak of four straight gold medals.</p> <p>Canada defeated the United States 3-2 in the final game of the 2013 World U18 Championships to take home their first gold medal in the event since they won it in 2008. 2008 was also the last year that the United States didn't win the gold medal in this event.</p>
<p>The United States controlled play in the game, outshooting the Canadians 35-12, but some costly errors in the second period that Canada was able to take advantage of killed the United States. After Canada took a 3-2 lead in the second period, they were able to shut down the US for the entire third period to clinch the gold medal.</p>
<p>It's a disappointing end to the United States' streak, especially when this felt like a game the US should have dominated, with a good portion of Canada's top talent back home playing in the CHL playoffs. Maybe the NTDP/USA Hockey is a victim of their own success that a silver medal in this event feels like a failure, but given the resources the US puts into this event, they really should be taking gold every year.</p>
https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/2013/4/28/4279218/canada-beats-united-states-3-2-to-win-world-u18-championshipsChris Dilks2013-04-26T11:50:16-07:002013-04-26T11:50:16-07:00US Defeats Russia in Shootout to Earn Shot at Gold
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<figcaption>Bruce Bennett</figcaption>
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<p>A late game-tying goal and shootout victory propels the US to victory.</p> <p>By the narrowest of margins, the United States kept their hopes of fifth straight gold medal alive with a shootout victory over the host Russians to win their semifinal match 4-3, and advance to the gold medal game on Sunday.</p>
<p>It appeared all but over for the United States when Russia took a 3-2 lead with just 3:20 remaining in regulation, but Anthony Louis(Miami recruit) was able to tie the game with just 2:05 left off a goal mouth scramble. The game then proceeded to a 10-minute 4-on-4 overtime. The United States had to kill off a penalty with under 4 minutes left in the OT to force a decisive shootout. Russia was unable to score in the shootout, while the US scored twice, capped off by a game-clinching goal by JT Compher(Michigan).</p>
<p>The Russians had beaten the United States earlier in the tournament, and if anything, the Russians were an even tougher opponent this time around, with the addition of star forward Valeri Nickushkin, who scored a goal for the Russians in this game. After the US took a 1-0 first period lead, the Russians stormed back for two goals in the second period to take a lead heading into the final period of regulation. Defenseman Tommy Vannelli tied the game at 2 early in the third period, setting the stage for the late-game theatrics.</p>
<p>The United States will take on Canada, who won their semifinal earlier in the day against Finland, in the gold medal game on Sunday at 12pm EST. The United States has won this tournament the past four years, and will be looking to add to their streak against the Canadians. Canada is led by the tournament's leading scorer, 15-year-old Connor McDavid, and is currently unbeaten in this year's tournament.</p>
https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/2013/4/26/4270922/us-gets-late-goal-wins-shootout-against-russians-to-keep-gold-medalChris Dilks2013-04-25T07:15:24-07:002013-04-25T07:15:24-07:00US Wins Quarterfinal Match Vs. Sweden 4-0
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<img alt="Tyler Motte's first period goal held up as the game-winner for the US" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YrJNZ0u57JtVzz0xxnehdrKN2RA=/0x10:3346x2241/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/12123691/153031388.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tyler Motte's first period goal held up as the game-winner for the US | Bruce Bennett</figcaption>
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<p>A stellar defensive effort moved the US into the semifinals with a 4-0 win.</p> <p>The United States played their best game of the tournament Thursday morning en route to a 4-0 win over Sweden in the quarterfinals of the World U18 championships in Sochi, Russia.</p>
<p>The United States jumped out to a 2-0 first period lead on goals by Tyler Motte(Michigan), who continues to have a strong tournament, and Will Butcher(Denver), and were able to maintain that lead through a scoreless second period, despite being shorthanded two players twice in the period. Mike McCarron(Western Michigan) added a power play goal in the third to give the US a commanding lead, and JT Compher(Michigan) iced the game with an empty-net goal. Goalie Thatcher Demko made 27 saves for the shutout victory.</p>
<p>The win was a bit of an upset, at least on paper, with the Swedes finishing second in their group, while the US finished third in their group, though it would have been a huge disappointment for a US team that has won the last four gold medals in this tournament to not even play for a medal.</p>
<p>The US will meet the winner of Russia and Germany in the semifinals. The Russians are the tournament hosts, and won their group, including beating the United States in their first game of the tournament.</p>
https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/2013/4/25/4264984/united-states-wins-quarterfinal-vs-sweden-to-advance-at-world-u18sChris Dilks2013-04-23T07:06:07-07:002013-04-23T07:06:07-07:00Finland Upsets US 2-1 in Final Pool Play Game
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<figcaption>Bruce Bennett</figcaption>
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<p>Finland's Saros made 49 saves in 2-1 upset win.</p> <p>The United States put 50 shots on goal in their final game of pool play at the World U18 championships in Sochi, Russia this morning, but could only get one of them past Finland goalie Juuse Saros, en route to a 2-1 loss.</p>
<p>John Hayden(Yale recruit) gave the United State a 1-0 lead in the first period, but the US could not build on the lead, despite holding a huge advantage in shots. Finland responded back with a goal in the second period, before netting the game-winner in the third period.</p>
<p>The United States finished pool play with a rather lackluster 2 wins and 2 regulation losses. Michigan recruits Tyler Motte and JT Compher led the US in scoring with six points through the first four games. They will finish pool play at third in their group, and will draw Sweden in the quarterfinal round.</p>
https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/2013/4/23/4256468/hot-goalie-helps-finns-upset-us-at-world-u18sChris Dilks2013-04-21T08:29:40-07:002013-04-21T08:29:40-07:00Team USA Rolls Past Latvia 7-1 at U18s
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<img alt="New Hampshire recruit Tyler Kelleher scored the game-winner for the US" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MFFu995hyzYJyvJSpu4st6_IlDs=/0x267:3366x2511/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/11892003/153030943.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>New Hampshire recruit Tyler Kelleher scored the game-winner for the US | Bruce Bennett</figcaption>
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<p>A four-goal first period secured an easy win for the United States.</p> <p>It wasn't necessarily the complete 60-minute effort Team USA was looking after not playing up to their potential in their first two games of the tournament, but Team USA was more than good enough to roll past Latvia by the tune of a 7-1 victory.</p>
<p>The US put the game away early, jumping out to a commanding 4-0 lead in the first period on goals by Kevin LaBanc(Notre Dame recruit), Tyler Kelleher(New Hampshire), Michael McCarron(Western Michigan), and Evan Allen(Michigan), and racking up a 22-12 shot advantage in the first frame.</p>
<p>After a sloppy second period, where Latvia scored the only goal, the US rebounded with a pair of goals by Tyler Motte(Michigan) and a goal by Tommy Vannelli(Minnesota) to cap off the easy 7-1 win.</p>
<p>The win moves the US to 2 wins and 1 regulation loss in pool play, and clinches a spot somewhere in the tournament quarterfinals. After taking tomorrow off, the US will finish off pool play with a game against Finland.</p>
https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/2013/4/21/4248838/team-usa-rolls-over-latvia-7-1-at-world-u18-championshipsChris Dilks2013-04-20T08:59:43-07:002013-04-20T08:59:43-07:00Michigan Recruits Lead Team USA to Win over Czechs
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<figcaption>Tyler Motte scored twice for the United States | Bruce Bennett</figcaption>
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<p>US earns first win of World U18 championships</p> <p>The United States U18 team defeated the Czech Republic 4-3 early this morning in Sochi, Russia to bounce back from an opening loss to Russia and earn their first win at the World U18 championships.</p>
<p>All four goals for the United States came from players currently committed to play their college hockey for Michigan next season. Two goals were scored by Tyler Motte, while JT Compher scored his second of the tournament, and Evan Allen scored the game-winner 5:23 into the second period. Thatcher Demko again the start in goal for the US and stopped 18 of 21 shots.</p>
<p>A one-goal win over a Czech team that should have been over-matched doesn't inspire a ton of confidence, but the win should be good enough to help the US make it into the medal round, which is all that really matters.</p>
<p>The US will next face Latvia tomorrow. The US currently sits third in their pool, behind Russia and Finland, though the top four teams in the group qualify for the quarterfinals.</p>
https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/2013/4/20/4245878/michigan-recruits-shine-in-4-3-us-victory-over-czech-republic-world-u18-championshipsChris Dilks2013-04-18T11:29:53-07:002013-04-18T11:29:53-07:00Russians Edge Team USA 4-3 in U-18 Opener
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<img alt="JT Compher scored a key third period goal to tie the Russians." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Ui5N_7jqRyhDPIeQwBSMnpEEZ0A=/0x72:3110x2145/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/11750357/153031151.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>JT Compher scored a key third period goal to tie the Russians. | Bruce Bennett</figcaption>
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<p>Late goal helps Russians to victory.</p> <p>The United States opened up their World U-18 championships tournament with a stiff test against the host Russians, and fell by a score of 4-3 after the Russians scored with less than two minutes remaining in the third period to secure the win.</p>
<p>The game was tied at two after two periods thanks to US goals from Jack Eichel(BU recruit), and Will Butcher(Denver recruit). The Russians edged ahead by a score of 3-2 in the third period, before American JT Compher(Michigan recruit) tied the game at three apiece with a shorthanded goal with about five minutes remaining.</p>
<p>But the Russians would get the last say, scoring with just under two minutes remaining on a goal by Vladimir Tkachyov to take a decisive 4-3 lead. Compher appeared to knot the game again with a minute to go, but the goal was waved off after a review.</p>
<p>The US will get tomorrow off, before facing off against the Czech Republic on April 20th. The opening loss is disappointing, but not necessarily that damaging to Team USA's gold medal hopes. Eight of the ten teams in the tournament advance to the quarterfinals, so how a team performs in the first week of the tournament really isn't as important as the second week.</p>
https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/2013/4/18/4239582/us-loses-to-host-russians-4-3-to-open-world-u18-tournamentChris Dilks2013-04-08T08:22:27-07:002013-04-08T08:22:27-07:00USA Hockey Announces World U18's Roster
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<figcaption>Bruce Bennett</figcaption>
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<p>It's basically the NTDP U18 team.</p> <p>Today, USA Hockey <a target="_blank" href="http://www.usantdp.com/news_article/show/242557?referrer_id=665878">announced the team that would represent the United States</a> at this year's World U18 championships in Sochi, Russia.</p>
<p>This team is usually comprised of the US NTDP U18 team, with the occasional player from outside the program. This year, they didn't stray from outside the program at all. Connor Hurley, Vinni Lettieri, Adam Erne, Anthony DeAngelo, and Evan Cowley were all listed as possibilities on the preliminary roster, but with a relatively healthy group, USA Hockey didn't need to bring anyone new in, with the exception of defenseman Tommy Vannelli, who had played with the U18's since his season at Minnetonka HS ended.</p>
<p>The number of call-ups from the U17 team to play at the U18s was relatively scant this year as well. Only goalie Blake Weyrick(likely the back-up to Thatcher Demko), and forward Jack Eichel are repsenting the '96 age group at this tournament.</p>
<p>The United States has typically dominated this tournament in recent years, having won the last four gold medals. Canada is a bit hampered in this event, by the ongoing CHL playoffs, which limits their roster selection to players whose seasons' have already ended.</p>
<p>Here's the official roster:</p>
<h3>2013 U.S. National Under-18 Team Roster</h3>
<table id="table_187107">
<thead><tr>
<th>No.</th> <th>Name</th> <th>Ht (cm)</th> <th>Wt (kg)</th> <th>Birthdate</th> <th>S/C</th> <th>Hometown</th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>29</td>
<td>Thatcher Demko</td>
<td>6-3 (191)</td>
<td>190 (76)</td>
<td>12/8/95</td>
<td>Left</td>
<td>San Diego, Calif.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Hunter Miska</td>
<td>6-0 (183)</td>
<td>171 (78)</td>
<td>7/7/95</td>
<td>Left</td>
<td>North Branch, Minn.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>30</td>
<td>Blake Weyrick</td>
<td>6-2 (188)</td>
<td>200 (91)</td>
<td>2/5/96</td>
<td>Left</td>
<td>Ojai, Calif.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>27</td>
<td>Gage Ausmus</td>
<td>6-1 (185)</td>
<td>204 (93)</td>
<td>4/22/95</td>
<td>Left</td>
<td>East Grand Forks, Minn.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Will Butcher</td>
<td>5-10 (178)</td>
<td>200 (91)</td>
<td>1/6/95</td>
<td>Left</td>
<td>Sun Prairie, Wis.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Connor Clifton</td>
<td>5-11 (180)</td>
<td>171 (78)</td>
<td>4/28/95</td>
<td>Right</td>
<td>Matawan, N.J.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>21</td>
<td>Clint Lewis</td>
<td>6-2 (188)</td>
<td>206 (93)</td>
<td>1/12/95</td>
<td>Left</td>
<td>Burnsville, Minn.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>16</td>
<td>Steven Santini</td>
<td>6-1 (185)</td>
<td>208 (94)</td>
<td>3/7/95</td>
<td>Right</td>
<td>Mahopac, N.Y.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Keaton Thompson</td>
<td>6-0 (183)</td>
<td>182 (83)</td>
<td>9/14/95</td>
<td>Left</td>
<td>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">Devils</a> Lake, N.D.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Tommy Vannelli</td>
<td>6-2 (188)</td>
<td>170 (77)</td>
<td>1/26/95</td>
<td>Right</td>
<td>Minnetonka, Minn.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td>Evan Allen</td>
<td>5-10 (178)</td>
<td>195 (88)</td>
<td>2/3/95</td>
<td>Right</td>
<td>Sterling Heights, Mich.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>J.T. Compher</td>
<td>5-10 (178)</td>
<td>178 (81)</td>
<td>4/8/95</td>
<td>Right</td>
<td>Northbrook, Ill.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Dawson Cook</td>
<td>6-1 (185)</td>
<td>197 (89)</td>
<td>6/15/95</td>
<td>Left</td>
<td>Cadillac, Mich.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>18</td>
<td>Jack Eichel</td>
<td>6-1 (185)</td>
<td>177 (80)</td>
<td>10/28/96</td>
<td>Right</td>
<td>North Chelmsford, Mass.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>28</td>
<td>Shane Eiserman</td>
<td>6-2 (188)</td>
<td>196 (89)</td>
<td>10/10/95</td>
<td>Left</td>
<td>West Newbury, Mass.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>22</td>
<td>Hudson Fasching</td>
<td>6-2 (188)</td>
<td>214 (97)</td>
<td>7/28/95</td>
<td>Right</td>
<td>Burnsville, Minn.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15</td>
<td>John Hayden</td>
<td>6-3 (191)</td>
<td>221 (100)</td>
<td>2/14/95</td>
<td>Right</td>
<td>Greenwich, Conn.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19</td>
<td>Tyler Kelleher</td>
<td>5-6 (165)</td>
<td>154 (70)</td>
<td>1/2/95</td>
<td>Right</td>
<td>Longmeadow, Mass.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12</td>
<td>Kevin Labanc</td>
<td>5-10 (178)</td>
<td>172 (78)</td>
<td>12/12/95</td>
<td>Right</td>
<td>Staten Island, N.Y.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>Anthony Louis</td>
<td>5-6 (168)</td>
<td>142 (64)</td>
<td>2/10/95</td>
<td>Left</td>
<td>Winfield, Ill.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13</td>
<td>Sean Malone</td>
<td>5-11 (180)</td>
<td>185 (84)</td>
<td>4/30/95</td>
<td>Left</td>
<td>West Seneca, N.Y.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>24</td>
<td>Michael McCarron</td>
<td>6-5 (196)</td>
<td>227 (103)</td>
<td>3/7/95</td>
<td>Right</td>
<td>Macomb, Mich.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14</td>
<td>Tyler Motte</td>
<td>5-9 (175)</td>
<td>184 (83)</td>
<td>3/10/95</td>
<td>Left</td>
<td>St. Clair, Mich.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/western-college-hockey-recruiting-ncaa/2013/4/8/4196780/usa-hockey-names-under-18-championships-teamChris Dilks