Under-18 Team Clipped by Russia in Third Game at Five Nations Tournament

Press Release

JONKOPING, Sweden - Michael McCarron (Macomb, Mich.) netted two goals and added one assist, as the U.S. National Under-18 Team was clipped by Russia, 4-3, at the 2013 Five Nations Tournament here today at Kinnarps Arena. With the loss, Team USA's record drops to 1-0-0-2 (W-OTW-OTL-L).

"We let the game get away from us in the third period," said Don Granato, head coach of the U.S. National Under-18 Team. "We need to focus on playing hard every minute of every game against such talented teams."

Russia struck first at 9:20 of the first frame. Team USA evened the score at 17:17 when McCarron found the back of the net on the power play. Tyler Kelleher (Longmeadow, Mass.) assisted on the play. The Americans outshot its opponent, 17-4, in the period.

McCarron netted his second goal with the man advantage at 3:36 of the second stanza. Dawson Cook (Cadillac, Mich.) and Evan Allen (Sterling Heights, Mich.) registered assists. The lone goal of the frame gave Team USA a 2-1 lead after 40 minutes of action.

Back-to-back tallies by the Russians, one on the power play, shifted the momentum away from the U.S. in the third frame. J.T. Compher (Northbrook, Ill.) potted the game-tying goal at 13:57. Tyler Motte (St. Clair, Mich.) and McCarron collected helpers on the marker. Just over a minute later, Russia responded with what would prove to be the game-winning goal. Team USA pulled its netminder in favor of the extra attacker, but could not send the game into overtime.

Evan Cowley (Evergreen, Colo.) made 13 saves in the loss for the U.S., while Igor Shestyorkin kicked out 52 shots in the victory for Russia.

The U.S. National Under-18 Team concludes tournament play tomorrow (Feb. 10) against Sweden. Puck drop is scheduled at 9:30 a.m. EST at Jonkoping Arena.

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