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.

Team USA loses again

Team USA lost their second game of the 2007 Under-18 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka to Finland today by a 5-3 score. The U.S. got out to an early 2-0 lead but was unable to hold off the Fins. Team USA dropped their opener to Russia yesterday by a 5-3 score.

From a WCHA perspective, only Minnesota recruit Aaron Ness factored into the scoring, as he assisted on Team USA's third goal of the game. Ness, a defenseman, will join the Gophers in the fall of 2009.

Next up for the U.S. is Slovakia. Puck drops at 1 p.m. EST on Thursday.