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U.S. U18 Men Come From Behind To Top Finland In Overtime

By
Randy Schultz
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Quarterfinal matchup against Sweden set for Monday at 8 p.m. CT/9 p.m ET on NHL Network
FRISCO, Texas – Ty Gallagher (Clarkston, Mich.) tied the game with three seconds to play in regulation and Sasha Pastujov (Bradenton, Fla.) connected less than a minute into the overtime period as the U.S. Under-18 Men’s National Team came back to beat Finland, 5-4, Saturday night here at Comerica Center. 

Pastujov strolled down the right wing in the 3-on-3 session and ducked towards the center of the ice as he got to the goal line. He stickhandled between all three Finnish skaters before sliding his shot between the legs of Aku Koskenvuo to complete the comeback victory. 

“I like the way we came out, I like the way we played the entire game,” head coach Dan Muse (Canton, Mass.) said after the thrilling win. “I thought you could see from the opening shift that the guys were ready.

“There was a little more pop in everyone’s step. There was a little more detail in everybody’s game. There was a lot to like about that and a lot to build off of moving forward.” 

Team USA’s Dylan Duke (Strongsville, Ohio) drew first blood as he put the U.S. on top, 1-0, with 11:47 to play in the opening period. Pastujov wound up to put a slap-shot on net that was saved. 

Jack Hughes (Westwood, Mass.) found the rebound and shifted a pass over for Duke to slam it in. Finland responded with a second-chance goal of their own as Ville Koivunen flicked a backhand attempt in 30 seconds later. 

The Finns took a 2-1 lead into the first intermission when Juho Jarvela converted off a 2-on-1 give and go feed from Niko Huuhtanen with just under four minutes to play in the opening frame. Charlie Stramel (Rosemount, Minn.) evened the game 78 seconds into the middle 20 as he roped a wrister from inside the hashmarks over the blocker-side shoulder of Koskenvuo. 

Aidan Hreschuk (Long Beach, Calif.) set up the score for his second helper of the tournament. The U.S. used an extended offensive-zone possession to earn a 3-2 lead off the blade of Isaac Howard (Hudson, Wis.) with 6:14 remaining in the second. 

Lane Hutson (Barrington, Ill.) made a tremendous play to keep the puck in the zone at the blue line and fed Howard for a first shot. The puck bounced off the goalie’s blocker and right back to Howard, who connected on the rebound chance for his first preliminary round goal. 

Finland’s Samu Tuomaala evened the game again at 3-3 less than a minute into the third period with a firm wrister from the top of the left faceoff circle. Finnish forward Verner Miettinen pushed them ahead when he deflected a point shot from Viljami Juusola between the legs of Kaidan Mbereko (Aspen, Colo.) for a 4-3 Finland lead with 6:32 to play in regulation. 

The U.S. pressed hard at the end of regulation and Gallagher picked up the equalizer on a goal-mouth scramble with three seconds to play. Gallagher stickhandled himself into a shot and all bodies from both teams converged on the net. The puck squirted free for the defenseman to punch in at the crease. 

Liam Gilmartin (Falls Church, Va.) and Stramel kicked it around to pick up assists on the tying goal. Pastujov’s fourth goal gave him a multi-point effort on the night and points in all four preliminary round games to give the U.S. the win. 

Mbereko made 29 saves, including a highlight-reel glove stop to keep the score at 2-1 late in the first, to pick up back-to-back wins in net for Team USA. Team USA will advance to the quarterfinals and take on Sweden Monday night back here at Comerica Center. Puck drop is set for 8:00 p.m. CT / 9:00 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on NHL Network. 

NOTES:  Dylan Duke scored a goal to be named the U.S. Player of the Game, presented by Elite Prospects… Team USA news, interviews, highlights and more can be found at TeamUSA.USAHockey.com….For the official IIHF home for the 2021 Under-18 World Championship, click here… 23 of the 24 players on Team USA’s roster come from the National Team Development Program.

Girls Tier II 16U Update

By
Randy Schultz
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The Adirondack Northstars 16u girls are 3-0 and the overall #2 seed going into quarters Sunday.

NAHL East Star Of The Week: Graziano

By
Randy Schultz
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East Division Star of the Week: Josh Graziano, Goaltender, Johnstown Tomahawks

Johnstown Tomahawks goalie Josh Graziano, 21, had a big weekend as he started on won both games to help his club sweep the 3rd place New Jersey Titans. The 6’3/200 lbs. native of Buffalo, NY, stopped 41 of 42 shots in the two wins.

That included 19 saves in an 8-1 win on Friday and 22 saves in a 3-0 win on Saturday, which was his first shutout of the season. Since joining the Tomahawks back in mid February, Graziano has a 7-0-1 record in eight games with a 1.85 goals against average and a .923 save percentage.

“Josh was a huge part of our weekend success grabbing two wins against a very tough opponent. He was rock solid both nights. Since arriving in Johnstown at the trade deadline, he has immediately adhered himself to our team as a strong, veteran leader.

“Now that he recently became available again for an NCAA Division 1 opportunity, I think he could be a big add for a team looking for an experienced goalie. We will need Josh to continue his strong play as we move down the home stretch of the regular season and push towards the playoffs,” said Tomahawks head coach Mike Letizia.

Orchard Park Boys Varsity Hockey Team Wins Galanti Award

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Randy Schultz
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The 2020-21 recipient of the Ralph J. Galanti Jr. Sportsmanship Award is the Orchard Park Quakers Varsity Boys hockey team. Special recognition goes to Quakers head coach, Josh Dannecker and assistant coach, Steve Ferrentino for their sportsmanship leadership this year.

The Award is sponsored by the Niagara Frontier Chapter of the National Ice Hockey Officials Association (NIHOA) and is voted on by its members.

The Award is named after long-time Erie Community College Athletics Director and Hockey Coach, Ralph J. Galanti, Jr. He is a member of the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame.

Since 2001 the Award has been presented annually to the Western New York Varsity Federation Boys Ice Hockey team that best exemplifies the characteristics of sportsmanship, fair play and mutual respect among players, coaches and officials during the season.

During his hockey coaching career, Galanti’s ECC teams were always recognized for their high degree of sportsmanship and fair play under his leadership.

This award was to have been presented during the Boys Federation Championship weekend, but do to the pandemic the award will presented to the Quakers at their school later this school year.

Warrior Combine Coming To Lockport’s Conerstone CFCU Arena

By
Randy Schultz
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 Lockport, NY — Put your skills to the test!

May 15th 2:00 dryland and on-ice 3:10-5:10For more information: https://www.mcnsportsadvising.com/warrior-combinesTo register:https://campscui.active.com/orgs/MCNHockeyCamps…

McAvoy Presented with 1819 Award

By
Randy Schultz
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Senior Honored for Best Exemplifying the Colgate Spirit

HAMILTON – The 1819 Award is one that recognizes character, scholarship, and service to others, best exemplifying the Colgate spirit. The 1819 Award is the most selective and prestigious award Colgate bestows upon a graduating senior.

This year’s award was presented to Paul McAvoy of the Colgate men’s hockey program and fellow member of the Class of 2021, Jake Gomez. Both McAvoy and Gomez will address the senior class as part of the baccalaureate service to take place on the Saturday, May 8 before commencement.

A native of Richmond, Ky., McAvoy is a double-major in psychological science and English, completing honors theses in both. He has served as a Wellness Advocate, a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and team representative for the Headway Foundation as he advocates for concussion awareness.

As a member of the Colgate men’s hockey program, McAvoy was unanimously voted to serve as team captain for the 2020-21. Off the ice, he is procuring a psychology thesis that seeks to answer the question, “What makes individuals function effectively as a team?” while also completing a memoir that tells the story of how a boy from Kentucky grows up to be a Division I hockey player.

“Paul is an unselfish individual who always puts the team first. His dedication and commitment to his craft and his teammates are unparalleled on this team,” men’s hockey head coach Don Vaughan said.

McAvoy is just the ninth student-athlete in the history of the 1819 Award to be recognized. He joins Dave Thomas (2005) and Mark Anderson (2009) as honorees from the men’s hockey team.

(McAvoy Photo By Colgate Hockey)

Who Is Really “Trying Out?”

By
Randy Schultz
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BY SCOTT THEN —

I wrote a similar piece a number of years ago, and it is even more appropriate today than it was then….

            Tryout time is upon us, and many coaches show up to the rink, with cones, pucks, a tablet of drills, an evaluation sheet, etc., waiting to see who is “trying out” for their team. But coaches, remember also, it is you, who Is “trying out” for the privilege of coaching someone else’s child. As much as little Jenny, or little Johnny go out and give it their all for 60 minutes to get picked by you, keep in mind, it is really you who is “being selected”. At each age group there is a head coach for every team, and maybe a couple assistants. Families are choosing which coach, out of the 7 or 8 at their age level in their area, that their child is going to play for. It is your responsibility to be the best coach in hockey and in life that you can be.

            Coaches should make sure to give it their all as well, explaining to families what their plans are, and maybe taking a step back and asking a parent, “what are you looking for?” If nothing else, you should make sure you are as current as possible in knowledge reading all aspects of the game. Not every coach is a great fit for every player. Are you a coach who likes to draw things out? Do you prefer demonstrations over pictures? Do you delegate to your assistants, or do things yourself? Are you there to win at all cost, or there to have fun? Or maybe someplace in the middle? Do you feel that the team they are on with you should be top priority? Or is it their High School team? Is your goal to be concerned solely about success on the ice, or possibly success in life?

            All these questions and more are what a coach should be prepared to answer for every parent who is willing to let you have a dramatic influence on the one thing that means the most to them in life, their children.  I have seen so many coaches over the years become so singularly focused on the kid that skates the fastest, or shoots the hardest, that they miss the kid who is the greatest teammate and is willing to do anything you ask without reservation. Which one of those will you take into the final game of the “big tournament”? (sarcasm dripping with that statement)

            But this should be a two-way street. Parents, part of this is your duty to talk to the coaches, find out what makes them tick, and if a coach isn’t a good fit, they won’t take it personally, or at least they shouldn’t.  Success as a coach is measured in many ways. Sure, wins and losses during the 8 months of hockey is important to some, maybe all parents, and it certainly has its place in the grand scheme of hockey, but this is where hockey makes most other sports look selfish. The coach’s job can be broken down into one statement… “It is incumbent upon a coach to put a player in the best position to succeed”. As a coach, you should be looking back not only on your successful players in hockey, but in life. The Lawyers, Doctors, Physician Assistants, Nurses, Accountants, Executives, and just good people that you have been able to influence. And maybe you are lucky enough to get selected to coach these kids.

(Lockport Cornerstone Arena Photo)

Future Sabres: Oskari Laaksonen

By
Randy Schultz
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Oskari Laaksonen #2 Rochester Americans vs Syracuse Crunch, Blue Cross Arena, February 10, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert

By Warren Kozireski —

There were more than a few eyebrows raised at the National Hockey League Entry Draft in 2017 when Buffalo selected Finnish defenseman Oskari Laaksonen with the 89th pick overall in the third round.

He was a sleeper pick to many because he was not listed among the 140 European skaters ranked by NHL Central Scouting. But several teams were interested and then-Sabres General Manager Jason Botterill felt he couldn’t risk waiting any longer.

“it’s been great to prove some people wrong, but for me the draft was more that a couple of teams wanted me bad, so that’s why I got picked so high—Pittsburgh and Detroit. It’s a funny story. I think Buffalo had the 89th pick and I think Pittsburgh had 91 or 92 (actually 93) and Detroit had 93 (actually 100) or something so it was down to the wire.

“I remember having a conversation with the Finnish scout who is not with the Sabres anymore and he told me that story.”

Buffalo’s roll of the dice appears to paying dividends as Laaksonen is in his first North American season after part or all of four seasons in the top league in Finland, Liiga, where he put up consistent offensive numbers with nine goals and 43 assists over a combined 133 games.

His transition to the smaller ice surface has taken time, but he has adapted well and was seeing major power play minutes on one of the top units in the American Hockey League this season. He makes the simple play when needed like taking a hit to make an outlet pass from his own zone along with the will to block shots, but also willing and able to jump up into the play offensively.

“First couple of weeks were a little bit harder, but now the games have gone on and I’m getting more comfortable on the ice, so I feel it’s a process and it’s going in the right direction.”

“I try to shot a lot and make plays on the power play; that’s my job. And when you are on the power play you need to produce or someone else is going to be in your spot, so you have to have that killer mentality to score.

“I want the puck when I see there is an opening and I think our power play has been pretty god all along throughout the season. It’s five guys working together and I’m pretty happy with how our power play looks.”

Laaksonen was tied for second in the AHL among rookie defenseman in assists (11) and was fourth in points (13) as of April 22nd.

He waited an extra few years before coming here to play. Drafted at just 165 lbs. but now has added several pounds to his 6’1” frame.

“It was mostly my size and my strength and my physique,” he said about why he waited to come to North America. “You need to battle hard if you want to play especially in the American Hockey League. And three years as a pro teaches you a lot, so I was more ready to come here. Growing as a person and growing as a hockey player even more and it’s a marathon, it’s not a sprint. You need to be ready when you make those new steps. It’s always been important to me; to be ready for the next level.

Turning 22 years old in July, he has had several international experiences to draw from as well culminating in Team Finland’s gold medal at the 2019 World Juniors where he scored one goal in the seven games and was a +5.

“Obviously the World Junior tournament was unbelievable and probably one of the greatest experiences of my life with the success and the group of guys we had. It’s been great. It’s always nice to put on the Finnish National Team jersey. Finnish hockey is growing every year. It’s always a competition, but my hope is one day to be in a position to compete for a spot (on the Olympic team).

With less than one month to go in his first North American professional season, Laaksonen is planning to head home for the summer, but not be too far from his Buffalo system teammates and countrymen.

“Hopefully head home and a little vacation with the Finnish guys; we’ll see what happens with (Rasmus) Ristolainen, (Henri) Jokiharju and Ukko (-Pekka Luukkonen). We’ll probably do something. Then enjoy my time and train. You spend so much time here and when you go home you enjoy it even more, so spend time with my family, friends and train and mentally get ready for next year.”

Third Period Score Pushes Team USA to Shootout Win Over Czechs, 2-1

By
Randy Schultz
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Mbereko makes 30 saves, pitches perfect shootout to pick up first IIHF win
FRISCO, Texas – Sasha Pastujov (Bradenton, Fla.) scored the game-tying goal in the third period and Kaidan Mbereko (Aspen, Colo.) made 30 saves, plus an additional five in the shootout, to lead the U.S. Under-18 Men’s National Team past the Czech Republic, 2-1, here at Comerica Center. Pastujov put the U.S. on the board, and ultimately sent the game to extra time, 2:35 into the third period with his team-leading third goal of the tournament. 

Lane Hutson (Barrington, Ill.) made a nice play at the right point to evade a defender and drove towards the center of the ice. He slid a pass to Pastujov at the right wing who ripped his wrister off the blocker of the goalie and in for the crucial game-tying goal.

“You go through this tournament and that mental resiliency has to play a role and we’ve faced that already,” said head coach Dan Muse (Canton, Mass.) after the win. “The big thing for me is that we’re learning from things.

“We’re learning when things don’t go well, because nothing is going to be perfect. We have to make sure that we’re growing as we move forward. I think our start tonight was an example of that.”

The Czechs took a 1-0 lead into the first intermission as Martin Rysavy connected on a shot from just outside the crease with 4:03 to play in the opening period. The U.S. applied late pressure on its first power-play opportunity with a bevy of shots in the final two minutes, but could not beat the Czech’s Oliver Satny to get on the board. 

Mbereko, playing in his first game of the tournament, made 16 saves in the first, none better than a right pad stop that denied Jakub Altrichter on a breakaway just past the midway mark of the period. Team USA outshot the Czech Republic, 11-9, in a goalless middle frame as the score remained 1-0 after 40 minutes of action. 

With no goals coming in the final minutes, the teams headed to overtime and the U.S. started the extra period on the power play. Team USA controlled most of the overtime period and generated several scoring chances, but was unable to break the deadlock and the two teams headed to a shootout. 

In the five-round shootout, Mbereko stopped all five Czech shooters. Hutson scored the lone goal for the U.S. to pick up the win and two points for Team USA. 

Next up, the U.S. faces Finland on Saturday (May 1) at 8 p.m. CT/9 p.m. ET to close out preliminary-round play. 

NOTES: With 30 saves, Kaidan Mbereko was named the U.S. Player of the Game, presented by Elite Prospects… Team USA news, interviews, highlights and more can be found at TeamUSA.USAHockey.com….For the official IIHF home for the 2021 Under-18 World Championship, click here… 23 of the 24 players on Team USA’s roster come from the National Team Development Program… The U.S. enters the tournament having medaled in a record 16 consecutive tournaments, including six golds in the past 10 competitions… Team USA has won 10 gold medals in tournament history, the most of any country in Under-18 Men’s World Championship history.  

Ryan Miller Announces Retirement

By
Randy Schultz
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0

ANAHEIM DUCKS GOALTENDER RYAN MILLER ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT AT CONCLUSION OF 2020-21 SEASON

Miller will complete 18-year career as the all-time leader among U.S.-born goaltenders in wins

Miller is the only player in hockey history to be named the top goaltender in the NCAA, American Hockey League, Winter Olympics and the NHL. 

ANAHEIM, Calif. – Anaheim Ducks goaltender Ryan Miller today announced his retirement from the National Hockey League (NHL) at the conclusion of the 2020-21 season. Miller will retire as the all-time leader among U.S.-born goaltenders in wins (current numbers) with 390, second in shutouts (44) and games played (794). Throughout his illustrious career, Miller is the only player in hockey history to be named the top goaltender in the NCAA, American Hockey League, Winter Olympics and the NHL. 

Miller won the 2010 Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s top goaltender, was named the Most Valuable Player and Best Goaltender in the 2010 Olympics, the 2005 American Hockey League’s (AHL) Baz Bastien Memorial Award as the AHL’s best goaltender, and the 2001 Hobey Baker Award as the NCAA’s top collegiate player. He was also named the NCAA’s best goaltender in 2001 and 2002 and holds the NCAA record with 26 shutouts.

“It was a dream come true when I played my first NHL game and it has been a privilege to spend 18 years as a professional,” said Ryan Miller. “I have decided that I am going to retire after the season having been given more time doing what I love than I could ever have hoped for. Thank you to you my teammates and staff, past and present. I’m thankful to so many who made my career possible and helped me on my journey from youth hockey to the NHL. Thank you to my family for supporting me with so much love and enthusiasm.”

Miller, 40 (7/17/80), appeared in 18 seasons with Anaheim, Vancouver, St. Louis and Buffalo from 2002-21, posting a 390-289-87 record with a 2.64 goals-against average (GAA) and .914 save percentage (SV%) in 794 career NHL games. Originally selected by Buffalo in the fifth round (138th overall) of the 1999 NHL Draft, Miller made his NHL debut with the Sabres Nov. 19, 2002 at New Jersey. All-time, Miller ranks 14th on the NHL’s wins list, 12th in saves (21,621) and 19th in games played (794). He also ranks fifth in SV% among all-time NHL goaltenders with 700 appearances. The only four others with a higher save percentage all-time are Hasek (.922), Roberto Luongo (.919), Henrik Lundqvist (.918) and Tomas Vokoun (.917).

Miller is the all-time leader among U.S.-born goaltenders in wins and is one of six goalies in NHL history to win 30 games in seven straight seasons (2006-12). He also leads American goaltenders in career SV% (.914) and ranks third in GAA (2.64) with at least 500 games played. Since his NHL debut in 2002-03, Miller ranks fourth among NHL goaltenders in wins, saves and appearances.

“Congratulations to Ryan on a storied career. You inspired us with your play but also your charitable work throughout your 18 NHL seasons,” said Ducks owners Henry and Susan Samueli. “We are so proud to say the winningest American-born goaltender in NHL history set the record while playing for the Ducks. Congratulations on a fabulous career.”

The East Lansing, Mich. native signed with Anaheim as a free agent July 1, 2017 and owns a 32-27-13 record with five shutouts, a 2.87 GAA and .911 SV% in 85 games with the Ducks. He won his 390th career game Mar. 18, 2021 vs. Arizona, passing Dominik Hasek (389) for 14th place on the NHL’s all-time wins list for goaltenders and surpassed John Vanbiesbrouck (374) for the all-time lead among U.S.-born goaltenders in wins (375) on Feb. 17, 2019 vs. Washington.

Miller spent 11 seasons with Buffalo from 2002-14, going 284-186-57 in 540 games. He holds Sabres franchise records in career wins (284), appearances (540), minutes (21,660:48) and single-season wins (41 in 2009-10). He led Buffalo to the Eastern Conference Final in both 2006 and 2007, joining Dominik Hasek as the only Buffalo goaltender to reach consecutive Conference Finals.

Miller has made seven career trips to the Stanley Cup Playoffs with the Ducks, Canucks, Blues and Sabres. In 57 career Stanley Cup Playoff games, the 6-2, 170-pound goaltender went 28-27 with three shutouts, a 2.52 GAA and .913 SV%. Miller ranks second in Sabres postseason history wins (25), games played (47) and saves (1,336).

Miller represented Team USA at the 2010 and 2014 Olympic Winter Games, leading the U.S. to a silver medal in 2010. He was named the MVP, Best Goaltender and an All-Star at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, posting a 5-1 record with a 1.35 GAA and .946 SV% in six tournament games. Overall, he went 6-1 with one shutout, a 1.30 GAA and .945 SV% in seven tournament games. His six Olympic wins are the second-most in Team USA history. Miller also represented his country at three World Championships (2001, 2002, 2003), posting two shutouts with a 2.09 GAA and .932 SV% in eight tournament contests.

In three seasons at Michigan State University from 1999-2002, Miller posted a 73-19-12 record with 26 shutouts, a 1.54 GAA and .941 SV% in 106 NCAA games. His 26 career shutouts remain an NCAA record. He was named the 2001 Hobey Baker Award winner as the top collegiate player, a two-time First Team All-American and a three-time CCHA Best Goaltender in 2000, 2001 and 2002. Miller is one of two goaltenders in NCAA history to win the Hobey Baker Award. He was named the 2001 Big Ten Men’s Athlete of the Year and USA Hockey College Player of the Year, and was nominated for the Hobey Baker Award in 2002. In 2013-14 he was inducted into the Michigan State Hall of Fame.

(NHL.com photo)

Team USA Picks Up 5-3 Win Over Germany at U18 Worlds

By
Randy Schultz
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Ty Gallagher named U.S. player of the game with two goals
FRISCO, Texas – The U.S. Under-18 Men’s National Team never trailed en route to its first win of the 2021 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship, a 5-3 victory over Germany fueled by two power-play goals from Ty Gallagher (Clarkston, Mich.).

“As you go through a tournament like this, you’ve got to find different ways to win,” said head coach Dan Muse (Canton, Mass.) after the game. “We found a way tonight and that’s something to build off of heading into Thursday.”

Team USA got on the board first courtesy of Jack Hughes (Westwood, Mass.), skating in his first IIHF game. Ty Murchison (Corona, Calif.) corralled a puck off the boards and took the initial shot at the left point.

The puck hit Jack Devine (Glencoe, Ill.) and got caught in some skates before Hughes found the loose rubber and wasted no time putting his wrist-shot in the top corner for a 1-0 lead. The U.S. power play continued its impressive start to the tournament when Gallagher blasted a one-timer from the left circle to extend the lead to 2-0 with 3:29 to play in the first.

He was set up by Aidan Hreschuk (Long Beach, Calif.) and Isaac Howard (Hudson, Wis.). Germany cut the lead back to one before the close of the opening period when Kevin Niedenz converted on a rebound opportunity off a 2-on-1 rush. 

Sasha Pastujov (Bradenton, Fla.) momentarily restored the two-goal lead for Team USA when he netted his second goal in two games with 7:20 to play in the second. Pastujov slid a pass to Logan Cooley (West Mifflin, Pa.) in front of the cage, who tried to push it in, but Pastujov sat on the doorstep to bang home the rebound for a 3-1 U.S. lead. 

The Germans brought it back to within a goal when they netted a power-play goal of their own on a 5-on-3 advantage. Bennet Rossmy feigned a pass before picking the top corner to bring the score to 3-2 after 40 minutes. 

Team USA lit the lamp first in the final period as Charlie Stramel (Rosemount, Minn.) forced a turnover in the defensive zone and carried the puck all the way in on a breakaway. The 6-foot-3 forward finished with a finesse chip shot just over the glove of the German netminder for a 4-2 lead. 

For the third straight time after the U.S. took a two-goal lead, Germany cut it back to a one-goal deficit as Sebastian Cimmerman found the net with a far-corner wrist-shot with 8:12 to play in regulation. The final multi-goal advantage was the last one Team USA needed when Gallagher put in his second power-play marker of the night.

Howard set up the defenseman for the one-timer who banked it off a German defenseman and in with just over three minutes to play. Goaltender Gibson Homer (Grand Rapids, Mich.) turned aside 25 shots from Germany to pick up his first win in net. 

Team USA gets a day off before taking on the Czech Republic Thursday night back here at Comerica Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. CT / 9:00 p.m. ET and will be streamed live on HockeyTV.com.

NOTES: Ty Gallagher, with two power-play goals, was named the U.S. Player of the Game, presented by Elite Prospects… The U.S. netted multiple power-play goals for the second consecutive game… Team USA news, interviews, highlights and more can be found at TeamUSA.USAHockey.com….For the official IIHF home for the 2021 Under-18 World Championship, click here… 23 of the 24 players on Team USA’s roster come from the National Team Development Program… The U.S. enters the tournament having medaled in a record 16 consecutive tournaments, including six golds in the past 10 competitions… Team USA has won 10 gold medals in tournament history, the most of any country in Under-18 Men’s World Championship history..

Team USA Falls to Russia in OT in First Preliminary Round Matchup

By
Randy Schultz
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0
Behrens, Hutson and Pastujov collect three points apiece for U.S.
FRISCO, Texas  – The U.S. Under-18 Men’s National Team earned a point, but fell to Russia in overtime, 7-6, in its first preliminary-round matchup of the 2021 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship.

“In a game like this, it’s two good teams and there’s going to be ups and downs,” head coach Dan Muse  (Canton, Mass.) said after the game. “So while we controlled momentum early, they had some big shifts in the second period to put us back on our heels.

“We need to be better with how we react to those types of situations and get our game back on track.”

Ryan Chesley (Mahtomedi, Minn.) opened the scoring just 2:56 into the game with a slap-shot from the right point. A loose puck trickled back to the defenseman after a failed Russian clearing attempt, where he one-timed it short side over the netminder’s shoulder for an early 1-0 lead.Team USA doubled its advantage with a Dylan Duke (Strongsville, Ohio) power-play tally just past the five-minute mark of the opening frame.

Camped in front of the net, Duke took a pass from Lane Hutson (Barrington, Ill.) and tried going cross-crease with his pass before it deflected off a Russian defender and in to make it a 2-0 game. Sasha Pastujov (Bradenton, Fla.) was credited with the secondary helper on the score.

After Russia cut the lead to 2-1 near the midway point of the period, Team USA answered with its second man advantage goal of the period when Sean Behrens (Barrington, Ill.) roofed his wrist-shot from the top of the left circle. He was set up by a great fake slap-pass from Hutson and Logan Cooley (West Mifflin, Pa.) earned an assist on the United States’ third goal.

Team USA came out firing in the middle period with two goals in the first 3:16. Ethan Straky (Ormond Beach, Fla.) connected on a short-range shot after a series of great passes from Isaac Howard (Hudson, Wis.) and Charlie Stramel (Rosemount, Minn.). Pastujov added the team’s third power-play marker of the night to make it 5-1 early in the second.

Hutson once again ran the point on the 5-on-4 opportunity and slid a pass to Pastujov on the forward’s off wing. The lefty didn’t get all of the one-timer but found a way to knuckle his shot under the glove of Valeri Brinkman. 

Russia responded with the next three goals of the game to bring the score within one at 5-4 with 6:51 remaining in the second. Duke collected his second of the game to push the lead back to two goals with a great redirection of a Pastujov shot, but Russia tallied a power-play goal of their own to make it 6-5 game after two periods of play. 

After a scoreless start to the final period, Russia scored the tying goal with 5:16 remaining in regulation to force overtime before netting the winning goal 1:25 into the extra session. 

Team USA hits the ice again tomorrow evening to play Germany in its second preliminary round game. Puck drop is set for 8:00 p.m. CT / 9:00 p.m. ET and will be streamed live on HockeyTV.com.

NOTES: With a goal and two assists, Sean Behrens was named the U.S. Player of the Game, presented by Elite Prospects… Team USA news, interviews, highlights and more can be found at TeamUSA.USAHockey.com….For the official IIHF home for the 2021 Under-18 World Championship, click here… 23 of the 24 players on Team USA’s roster come from the National Team Development Program… The U.S. enters the tournament having medaled in a record 16 consecutive tournaments, including six golds in the past 10 competitions… Team USA has won 10 gold medals in tournament history, the most of any country in Under-18 Men’s World Championship history.

21 Americans Selected to Officiate International Events During the 2020-21 Season

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Randy Schultz
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21 American officials named to the IIHF championships, including 2 from New York State.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Hockey announced today that 21 American officials have been selected to serve as referees or linesmen for International Ice Hockey Federation world championships in 2020-21.Of the 21 Americans chosen to officiate during the upcoming season, nine have previous experience working in top-level IIHF events while 12 have received their first IIHF assignment.The eight Americans originally assigned to officiate the IIHF Women’s World Championship in Canada from May 6-16, which is no longer being held due to local government restrictions, remain eligible to officiate the re-scheduled event. Many of those officials have been assigned to work the Chipotle-USA Hockey National Championships.For more information, including the full list of officials, click here.

NAHL’s South Star Of The Week: Owen Parker

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Randy Schultz
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Owen Parker, 19, was named the NAHL’s South Division Star of the Week. Parker helped the Ice Wolves to a huge three-game home sweep of the division-leading Shreveport Mudbugs, playing in two of the three games this weekend. The Buffalo-native stopped a total of 67 of 71 shots.
On Friday, Parker made 26 saves and then stopped five of six Mudbugs shooters in the shootout to pick up a 4-3 shootout win. On Sunday, Parker made 41 saves in the 4-1 win. For the season, Parker has an 8-7-0 record with a 2.91 goals against average and a .914 save percentage. “I’m very happy for Owen to get this honor. He’s worked hard since day one and it’s showing. It’s nice to see him have success in his first year of junior hockey,” said New Mexico head coach Phil Fox.

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