Under-17 Team Edged by Sweden in Second Contest at Five Nations Tournament

Press Release

ARVENPAA, Finland - Blake Weyrick (Ojai, Calif.) made 26 saves, as the U.S. National Under-17 Team was edged by Sweden, 4-3, at the 2013 Five Nations Tournament here today at Jarvenpaa Arena. With the loss, Team USA's record drops to 0-0-1-1 (W-OTW-OTL-L).

"This was a tough setback today," said Danton Cole, head coach of the U.S. National Under-17 Team. "Each remaining game in the tournament stills holds importance to us. We will continue to work hard every shift and learn from our experiences."

Sweden tallied the first goal of the contest at 1:12 of the opening period. The U.S. trailed, 2-0, after the Swedes found the back of the net at 7:13. Team USA cut into the lead at 17:11 on the power play. Jack Eichel (North Chelmsford, Mass.) potted the goal with Ryan Bliss (Bedford, N.H.) and Louis Belpedio (Skokie, Ill.) earning the assists.

Seamus Malone (Naperville, Ill.) knotted the game, 2-2, at 2:44 of the second stanza. The power-play marker was assisted on by Ryan Hitchcock (Manhasset, N.Y.). Sweden regained the lead, scoring with the man advantage at 13:21. Team USA entered the intermission down, 3-2.

The Swedes regained its two-goal cushion at 1:23 of the third stanza. Down a pair of scores late in the frame, the U.S. pulled Weyrick in favor of the extra attacker. Alex Tuch (Baldwinsville, N.Y.) converted to draw Team USA to within one at 18:36. Brandon Fortunato (North Hills, N.Y.) collected the lone helper. The Americans again called Weyrick to the bench in search of the game-tying tally, but Sweden held the U.S. attack off.

Weyrick made 26 saves in the loss for Team USA, while Felix Sandstrom turned aside 29 shots in the victory for Sweden.

The U.S. National Under-17 Team continues tournament play tomorrow (Feb. 9) versus the Czech Republic. Game time is scheduled for 6 a.m. EST at Jarvenpaa Arena.


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