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 falls to Russia 5-3

Team USA was defeated in their first official game in the 2007 Under-18 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka by Russia 5-3 today. Mike Cichy, who will join North Dakota in the fall of 2008, had a pair of assists for Team USA, while Nate Dewhurst, a '08 recruit for Denver, scored a goal for the U.S. Jordy Murray (Wisconsin, 2008) also had an assist.

Team USA takes on Finland in their second of three first-round games tomorrow.

UPDATE: UMD recruit Brady Hjelle (2008) started in goal for the U.S. He made 28 saves in the loss.