Team USA takes fifth

Team USA defeated the Czech Republic today by a score of 6-5 in a shootout to earn fifth place at the 2007 Under-18 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka. Minnesota recruit Aaron Ness and Wisconsin recruit Jordy Murray each had two assists in the win. Murray also scored the winning goal in the shootout. Minnesota Duluth recruit Brady Hjelle came in to relieve Aaron Crandall, who allowed four first period goals. Hjelle stopped 24 of 25 shots the rest of the way, and was a perfect three for three in the shootout.

Team USA defeats Slovakia 5-3

After losing their first two games in the 2007 Under-18 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka, Team USA bounced back today to defeat Slovakia by a 5-3 score. From a WCHA perspective, Denver recruit Nate Dewhurst scored two goals for the U.S., with Minnesota recruit Aaron Ness chipping in a goal as well. North Dakota recruit Mike Cichy and Wisconsin recruit Jake Gardiner had assists. UMD recruit Brady Hjelle got the win in goal for the U.S.

Hjelle, Youso featured in IF Daily Journal

Minnesota Duluth recruit Brady Hjelle and Minnesota recruit Jake Youso, both of whom will be seniors at International Falls High School this fall, were featured in an article in the International Falls Daily Journal. The article, written by Joe Krause, talks about both players being selected to the USA Under-18 Select Team that will compete in this year’s Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament, which will be held August 14-18 in Piestany, Slovakia and Hodonin, Czech Republic.

Hjelle, a goalie, is slated to join the Bulldogs in the fall of 2008. Youso, a forward, is tentatively scheduled to be a Gopher in the fall of 2009, but could be moved up to the fall of '08 if Minnesota is hit hard by early departures next spring / summer.