IIHF U18 Medal Round: USA Defends the Gold, While Finland Wins Bronze

The Americans got revenge for the Swedes giving them their only loss of this year's U18 World Championship and came up winning gold for the 2nd straight year with a 3-1 win for the Americans over in Minsk, Belarus. Goals by Luke Moffatt, Justin Faulk and Rocco Grimaldi all scored the Americans for the victory.

While Goaltender Jack Campbell who's seeing his Draft Stock Rise and taking over Canadian Goalie Calvin Pickard for the top NA Goalie for June's NHL Draft gave up just 1 goal in the Knockout Rounds, after shutouts over the Czech Republic & Finland, the American Netminder had one of the best showings in this tournaments history to lead the Americans 2nd straight Gold and 5th overall since the U18 World Championships were created in 1999.

What's even more impressive for American Teammates Jack Campbell & Jason Zucker, that this is their 3rd career major Junior Gold Medal in the last year. Winning both the 2009 & 2010 U18 World Championships, plus this season's World Junior Championship back in Jan.

For the Finns, a 2nd straight Bronze Medal came in the 3rd period when a 4 goal 3rd period turned what was a very close and tight game to a runaway as Teemu Pulkkinen clinched the Top Forward Award of this year's U18 World Championship with 10 goals this season.

Here's the Stories from International Ice Hockey Federation Website: http://www.iihf.com/

Both Games were in Minsk, Belarus.

Gold Medal Game: Sweden 1 U.S.A. 3 (0-1, 0-2, 1-0)

Sweden VS. U.S.A. Game Photos: www.iihf.com/channels0910/wm18/pictures/page/0/game/SWE%20-%20USA%20%28F%29.html

The USA successfully defended its title at the U18 World Championship with a 3-1 win over Sweden. The Gold is Americans fifth at the U18 World Championship and brings their total medal haul to eight at the annual event. Sweden's Silver Medal matched it's best result at the U18's when they won Silver in 1999.

Today's win avenged the only loss for the U.S.A. of this year's tournament, a 4-2 defeat in the opening game of the preliminary round. Since 2002, the Americans have missed the Podium only once, in 2003 when they finished in 4th place.

The game was played in the 15,000 seat Minsk Arena. It was the only game of the event that was played at the newly-opened, state-of-the-art building and over 10,000 fans came for the Final.

The Americans came out firing up in the first period and quickly took the 1-0 lead when Luke Moffatt scored a clean shot from the slot just 2:10 into action. The Americans pressured the Swedish Net after the goal, but Johan Gustafsson stood his ground and weathered the storm.

The Momentum took a massive turn when Austin Watson was given a five minute penalty and game misconduct for a brutal hit on Sweden's Henri Snall. Snall had to be taken off the ice on a stretcher, likely with a concussion. The U.S. was forced to buckle down and change to a defense mode, and ultimately killed off the the lengthy penalty while getting nearly as many shots as the Swedes did during the man advantage.

Midway through the 2nd period, the Americans extended the lead to 2-0. Justin Faulk flipped in the puck after Nick Shore fed him a pass as he streaked in-front of the goal. The Americans continued to pressure the Swedish Net and climbed ahead 3-0, just 14 seconds after a late power play late in the 2nd period. Rocco Grimaldi scored on the rebound, putting the U.S. in position heading into the 2nd intermission.

Sweden found renewed life in the 3rd period when Ludvig Rensfeldt put in a shot from the face-off circle to make it a 3-1 affair 6:54 into the 3rd period. Bute despite having their best play of the game after the goal, the comeback went no further as the U.S. hung on for the 3-1 lead.

For two U.S. Players, the gold medal was their third in a row at an IIHF Event. Jason Zucker and Jack Campbell were on two gold medal winning teams at the 2009 U18's, this year's U18's plus the World Junior Championship back in January.


Bronze Medal Game

Finland 5 Russia 1 (0-0, 1-0, 4-1)

Finland VS. Russia Game Photos: www.iihf.com/channels0910/wm18/pictures/page/0/game/FIN%20-%20RUS%20%28B%29.html

Finland took its 2nd consecutive bronze medal game at the U18 World Championship after topping Russia, 5-1, in today's Bronze Medal Game. Teemu Pulkkinen scored a hat trick, to bring his Goal Total to ten at this year's Championship.

The Finns were definitely pleased with their third place finish, especially considering the obstacles they had to overcome this year. Top Goaltender Sami Aittokallio going down with injury before the event started and a few players had flu symptoms for today's Bronze Medal Match. It is Finland's sixth medal at the U18 World Championship and their 3rd Bronze Medal Finish.

Finland and Russia met in the Preliminary round, which Finland won 5-4 and for much of the game it looked like today's game would similarly close until the Finns erupted for 4 third period goals.

Pulkkinen has been Finland's best go-to man in the entire tournament, so it only seemed fitting that he broke a 35 minute deadlock to give Finland the 1-0 lead. Pulkkinen streaked down the ice and fired a shot from the slot to get past Russian goaltender Andrei Vasilevski high.

Before the goal, the teams were playing tentatively, trading penalties but not taking advantage of the extra man opportunities.

Finland opened up a seemingly high 2-0 lead when Mikael Granlund, Finland's other top player, scored 2:33 into the third period of the first power-play chance of the period. He was assisted by his younger brother Markus. After the 2-0 goal, the floodgates opened, with the Finns putting in another 3 goals compared with Russia's lone, late game tally that made it 5-1.

Just like in the Semifinal Loss, Russia's Frustration shine through in a late game Mellie, which resulted in 127 penalty minutes.

Here's the Final Tournament Rankings and the Tournament Awards from this year's U18 World Championship.

Gold Medal: U.S.A.

Silver Medal: Sweden

Bronze Medal: Finland

4th Place: Russia

5th Place: Switzerland

6th Place: Czech Republic

7th Place: Canada

8th Place: Slovakia

9th Place: Latvia

10th Place: Belarus

Latvia & Belarus have been relegated to the 2011 IIHF U18 Division 1 Tournament

Germany & Norway won Promotion from Division 1 and will be competing in the U18 World Championship

Tournament Awards

Tournament All Star Team

G: Jack Campbell (USA)*

D: Adam Clendening (USA)

D: Adam Larsson (SWE)

F: Johan Larrson (SWE)

F: Evgeni Kuznetsov (RUS)

F: Temmu Pulkkinen (FIN)

*Tournament MVP

Best Forward: Teemu Pulkkinen (FIN)

Best Defensemen: Adam Larrson (SWE)

Best Goaltender: Jack Campbell (USA)


In addition to the U18 World Championship's wrapping up. The Final Event of the International Season will start on May 7 as the Men's Ice Hockey World Championship will be in Colonge & Mannheim, Germany this season.

Here's how the opening Groups will look for the 16 Teams.

Group A in Colonge: Russia, Belarus, Slovakia, Kazakhstan

Group B in Mannheim: Canada, Switzerland, Latvia, Italy

Group C in Mannheim: Sweden, Czech Republic, Norway, France

Group D in Colonge: Finland, U.S.A., Germany, Denmark

IIHF U18 Semifinals & Relegation Update: USA VS. Sweden For Gold

The Americans are back in the U18 Gold Medal Game for the 2nd straight year as the Americans had their 2nd straight shutout by outscoring the Swedes and the Czechs in the QFS & SFS by a combined score of 11-0.

This is Jack Campbell's 2nd straight shutout and 3rd overall going back to the Canada Game where the Americans won that game 5-0 as well. On the Offense side of the puck as Nick Shore had another 3 points in the Game (2G 1A) while other players like Nieto and Tinordi also scored to put the Fins out of the game as the Americans had a balanced attack throughout the game.

Sweden is back in the U18 Gold Medal Game for the first time since 1999 as the Swedes scored twice in the third period to turn what was a close hard fought game into a decisive affair. If Sweden can beat the USA, it will mark a huge milestone as the Swedes have been looking to dramatically improve the Swedish Junior Program after several close calls which have included a pair of WJC Silver Medals plus an U18 Bronze Medal back in 2008.

Can Sweden find a way to get through what's been a rock hard defense for the Americans as the Americans haven't given up a single goal in the Knockout Rounds? Or will the USA successfully defend the U18 World Championships and win their 3rd straight major Junior Gold Medal which includes the last U18 World Titles and the WJC Gold back in Jan.

With Canada's win over Latvia today, this will send Latvia and Belarus down to the U18 Division 1 Tournament for 2011 as both Canada & Slovakia are both 2-0 in the Relegation Round. Canada & Slovakia will play for 7th place, while Latvia & Belarus will play for pride in their final games tomorrow.

From the International Ice Hockey Federation Website: www.iihf.com

Semifinal #1: Finland 0 U.S.A. 5 (0-1, 0-2, 0-2)

Finland VS. U.S.A. Game Photos: www.iihf.com/channels0910/wm18/pictures/page/0/game/FIN%20-%20USA%20%28SF%29.html

In Minsk, Belarus: The United States have earned the chance to defend its U18 World Championship gold Medal after earning a 5-0 win against Finland in today's Semifinal. Nick Shore scored twice and Jack Campbell was in net for his 2nd straight shutout of the playoff round.

The Americans have skated in the Gold Medal Game 6 of the last 7 years and in total has 4 gold medals to their credit at the U18 Worlds, including last year's which came against Russia. For the Finns, the loss sends them to their 2nd straight Bronze Medal game, which they won last year against Canada.

Shore kicked off the scoring with the only goal of the 1st period to give the Americans an early 1-0 lead just over 5 minutes into action. The lead was doubled when Matt Nieto streaked down the wing and put in a backhander 6:19 into the 2nd period.

The Tempo continued to pick up as the game whore on and the game had a good flow and end to end action. The Americans went on the power play late in the 2nd period and spent the entire time camped out in front of the Finnish net, but couldn't get the 3-0 goal. But Adam Clendening made up for the lack of power play out-put when he in a perfect wrist shot just as time expired. It was such a close call that the goal could only be confirmed after a lengthy video review.

Despite getting out-shot more then two-to-one in the first 40 minutes, the Finns kept kept the Americans on edge with their fighting spirit. It was only when Nick Shore put in the 4-0 goal midway through the third period that the Finns were visibly deflated. Just over a minute later Jared Tinordi made the American Berth in the Gold Medal Game crystal clear with the 5-0 closing goal.

USA now awaits the winner of tonight's Russia VS. Sweden semi-final. The Last time Sweden skated in the Gold Medal Game at the U18 Worlds was in its inaugural year in 1999. At the other end of the spectrum, Russia is looking for it's 8th straight Gold Medal Game Appearance.


Semifinal #2: Sweden 3 Russia 1 (1-1, 0-0, 2-0)

Sweden VS. Russia Game Photos: www.iihf.com/channels0910/wm18/pictures/page/0/game/SWE%20-%20RUS%20%28SF%29.html

In Minsk, Belarus: Sweden will skate in the gold Medal Game for the first time since 1999 after earning a 3-1 win against Russia in a hard fought semi-final.

It is only the 2nd ever trip to the Golden Game, and the country is still looking for it's first ever Gold Medal at this event. It is Russia's first appearance in the Bronze Medal Game since 2003.

It was a completely different game from the speedy, skilled first semifinal between the USA & Finland. Instead, the Large Swedes and Russian treated the full Palace of Sport to a physical duel.

Sweden came out hard in the first five minutes, peppering Russian Goalie Andrei Vasilevski. But it was the Russian who struck first on their first power play chance when Vladislav Kartayev forced the puck in past Swedish Goaltender Johan Gustafsson. Sweden responded with a power play goal of its own when Ludvig Rensfeldt tied the game at one mid-point.

The Swedes persistence finally paid off 8:32 into the third period when Adam Larsson and ripped in a shot from above the faceoff circle during a Swedish Power Play. Less then a minute later Mattias Granlund sealed the win with a deflected shot that bounced off virtually everything in sight before squeezing into the goal.

With the 3-1 lead, Sweden controlled the rest of the game as Russia had no chance to mount a counter attack and try for a comeback. A little melee with 3 seconds left showed the Russian Frustration at missing the Golden Game.

Sweden will take on the defending champion USA in the Gold Medal Game on Friday. Sweden beat the USA in the preliminary round, 4-2. Meanwhile Russia will skate for the Bronze Medal against Finland tomorrow. Tomorrow's only playoff game is the fifth place game between Switzerland and the Czech Republic.

Relegation Round: Canada 5 Latvia 1 (2-0, 1-1, 2-0)

Canada VS. Latvia Game Photos: www.iihf.com/channels0910/wm18/pictures/page/0/game/CAN%20-%20LAT.html

In Bobruisk, Belarus: Canada did what it had to do stay up in the Top Division at the World U18 Championship, earning a 5-1 win against Latvia.

With six points, both Canada & Slovakia will return to the top level for next year, while Latvia and Belarus will move down to Division 1 for next season. There is still one day left of action left in Bobruisk tomorrow as Canada will take on Slovakia, while Latvia will face the Belarus in what are now merely placement games.

It wasn't necessarily a convincing win for the Canadians as a quick two goals coming less then a minute apart as the offense they generated against the the out-matched Latvians in the first period. In the 2nd, the Canada Offense sputtered, putting just one additional goal at the 6:11 mark of the period to make it a comfortable, yet slim 3-0 advantage.

Latvia got on the board with 18 seconds left in the 2nd period with a power-play marker to cut the Canadian Lead to two at the break. Canada found a way to pull away with two final goals, included a 2nd marker from Jordan Weal to make it a 5-1 win.

IIHF U18 Quarterfinals & Relegation Round Up:

It was the Americans controlling the Czechs for the 2nd straight year in the U18 Quarterfinals where the Americans are looking to defend the U18 Gold Medal for the 2nd straight year. It was also deja vu as the Americans were also seeded 2nd in last year's U18 Tournament Playoffs as the Americans will now face Finland in the Semifinals in what should be a great game in a battle of defending champions against a team that's looking to make up for lost time at the Junior Level.

The Other Quarterfinal saw Russia beat Switzerland 4-3, the game was more deceiving as the Russians were up 4-0 until the last 5 minutes when Switzerland finally found their grove, but it was to little to late as the Swiss were unable to pull off their 2nd big win over Russia in the IIHF Tournament Season after the Swiss beat the Russians at the WJC just after New Years.

The Relegation Round got underway as Slovakia helped their chances of survival with a 5-1 win over Belarus who's looking at relegation now after being 0-2 and having a -12 GD after losing to Canada 11-3 in the Group Stage.

Here's a look at the Game Wrap Ups for Today and the schedule for tomorrow's Semifinals and Relegation Matchups.

Wednesday's Schedule

Semifinals

Finland VS. USA

Sweden VS. Russia


Relegation Round

Canada VS. Latvia

From the International Ice Hockey Federation Website: http://www.iihf.com/


Quarterfinal #1: USA 6 Czech Republic 0 (2-0, 3-0, 1-0)

USA VS. Czech Republic Game Photos: www.iihf.com/channels0910/wm18/pictures/page/0/game/USA%20-%20CZE%20%28QF%29.html

From Minsk, Belarus: USA will skate in its 9th straight Semifinal at the U18 World Championship after dominating the Czech Republic 6-0 in today's Quarterfinal in Minsk.

The U.S. broke the game open late in the 2nd period, taking advantage of Czech Penalty Problems with two power-play goals in a five-minute span to go ahead 4-0. American Austin Czarnik was the biggest nemesis for the Czechs, putting in three goals, including two in the 2nd period surge.

The U.S. was clearly the stronger team, but held only to a 2-0 lead at the end of the first period after putting in a quick pair less then two minutes apart.

The Czechs had the chance to cut the lead in half with many chances of their lone power play of the 2nd period, but the momentum was killed when the tide turned dramatically with a five-on-three for the U.S. The Americans hit a post just as the two-man advantage expired, but made up for it with three seconds left in the five-on-four when Austin Czarnik put the 3-0 tally on an odd angle shot.

After that, the Americans dominated the period as Nick Shore put in another power-play goal, while Czarnik followed up 20 seconds later with the 5-0 marker. The goal was the end of the game for Czech Goalie Libor Kasik, who was replaced by Roman Will. On the other end of the ice Jack Campbell had little excitement facing only 8 shots in the first 40 minutes.

It was more of the same in the 3rd period when Bryan Rust jammed in the 6-0 goal - also on the power play. It was the lone goal of the period as Will managed to keep the Americans in check, but could do little to prevent the eventual loss.

In their eight trips to the Semifinals, the Americans have only gone home empty handed once, in 2003. The defending champions have a six year medal streak. Last year, the Americans also played the Czech Republic in the Quarterfinals against the Czechs and won 6-2, They went on to top Canada, 2-1, in the semifinals and Russia, 5-0, for the gold.

The Czechs will play in their second straight fifth-placed game. They lost the placement game last year, 4-2, against Sweden.


Quarterfinal #2: Russia 4 Switzerland 3 (2-0, 1-0, 1-3)

Russia VS. Switzerland Game Photos: www.iihf.com/channels0910/wm18/pictures/page/0/game/RUS%20-%20SUI%20%28QF%29.html

In Minsk, Belarus: Russia made it to the Semifinals at this year's U18 World Championship after earning a 4-3 win with five minutes left in regulation when Switzerland had an incredible comeback to pull within one. Ultimately, time ran out, on the Swiss efforts, but it was a positive end for the determined Alp Nation.

The Swiss had an impressive run at the event and put in a gutsy performance today, but couldn't get over the hump against the bigger, stronger, more skilled Russian Team. Swiss Goaltender Lukas Meili was put through the ringer by the Russians but stood his ground, allowing his team to mount an occasional counterattack.

Ultimately, the Swiss had a few minor break downs that cost them dearly. Evgeni Kuznetsov put in the 1-0 shorthanded goal just over five minutes into action with a deke that would make Alexander Ovechkin proud. Maxim Shalunov doubled the lead three minutes later, but the Swiss buckled down after the goal and held the Russians scoreless for more then 20 minutes before surrendering the 3-0 goal. Roman Berdnikov forced the puck in mid-game for the important 3rd goal just as a Russian power-play expired.

Berdnikov put in his 2nd goal of the game for the 4-0 lead, seemingly putting the game out of reach for the Swiss. But a late comeback bid by Switzerland made the last 5 minutes a thriller for the sold out Palace of Sports Crowd. Reto Schmutz and Kaj Leuenberger scored two goals coming 35 seconds apart in the twilight of the game, making it 4-2.

The Russians still sensed they were safe when Gregory Hoffman scored with the extra attacker on the ice to make it a surprising one goal affair. The Swiss pushed until the last second, but couldn't come up with the game-tying goal and are now bound for the 5th place Game against the Czech Republic.

Both of last year's finalist, USA & Russia, are into the next round and on track to make it to the Final again. But before punching their card for the Gold Medal Game, the Russians will have to overcome Sweden in tomorrow's Semifinals, while the Americans will face the Finns.

The Russians have been in the finals the last three years, but the last time they won was 2007.


Relegation Round: Slovakia 5 Belarus 1 (1-0, 2-1, 2-0)

Slovakia VS. Belarus Game Photos: www.iihf.com/channels0910/wm18/pictures/page/0/game/SVK%20-%20BLR.html

In Bobruisk, Belarus: After losing its first relegation round game today against Slovakia, 5-1, it would take a miracle for host Belarus to stay up in the U18 World Championship for the 2010-2011 season.

Slovakia, meanwhile, is essentially safe from relegation after today's win as it would take an extraordinary string of events to send the Slovaks into 3rd or 4th place. Slovakia now has 6 points in the Group and Belarus is still looking for its first win at this year's event.

It looked like it would be ugly for Belarus early in the game when Petr Trska scored just 19 seconds after the opening faceoff. But Belarus regrouped after the quick goal and held the Slovaks scoreless through the rest of the period.

Unfortunately for Belarus, it started the 2nd period on its heels again, allowing the 2-0 goal just 40 seconds into action. Belarus again re-grouped, as the teams exchanged goals to close the 2nd period at 3-1. Slovakia's Marek Tvrdon scored twice in the third period to bring the final to 5-1.

Both teams have the day off tomorrow as Canada and Latvia are the only game tomorrow in Bobruisk. If Canada wins that game, then both Belarus and Latvia would both be relegated, while Slovakia and Canada would return to next year's U18 World Championship. Should Latvia win the game, the group remains wide open.

IIHF U18WC Day 2: USA Comesback, Sweden & Russia Dominite

Day 2 saw a bit less drama but the top seeds were able to comeback. Especially the U.S.A. where just a day after Sweden beat them 4-2, the Americans were to fight off an early Swiss Surge, but a two goal performance by Austin Czarik helped the Americans find their grove to beat Switzerland 5-1 to even up their group stage record at 1-1 through 2 games.

Sweden & Russia continued their great starts with 7-0 & 9-0 wins over the big underdogs in Belarus & Latvia while the Czech Republic had to fight off a comeback attempt against arch rival Slovakia to win the Czechs first game of the tournament 4-3 over Slovakia, that win could be huge as many people saw that as the grudge match for 3rd place in Group A.

Tomorrow's matchup's will see some interesting matchup's as we could see which Swiss Team could emerge as the Swiss will play the Swedes. Slovakia will look to comeback against Finland while Canada and the Czech Republic will look to get over Belarus & Latvia as well.

From Jenny Wiedeke of the International Ice Hockey Federation: http://www.iihf.com/

Group A in Bobruisk

Sweden 7 Belarus 0 (0-0, 5-0, 2-0)

Sweden VS. Belarus Photos: www.iihf.com/channels0910/wm18/pictures/page/0/game/SWE%20-%20BLR.html

Thanks to a stellar 5 goal second period, Sweden stayed unbeaten at this year's U18 World Championship with a 7-0 thumping of host Belarus.

It was the opening game for the host nation, and the fans in Bobruisk turned out in droves, nearly selling out the modern arena. And while the fans may have been able to help stall the Swedish attack through a scoreless first period, there was little they, or the Belarusian team, could do the Swedes sparked to life in the 2nd period.

Sweden made up for the sluggish start with a lighting fast pair of goals to open the 2nd. Ludvig Rensfeldt scored both goals, with the first coming just 56 seconds into the period and the 2nd trailing three minutes later. The goal took a little spirit out of the near sell-out crowd.

Another quick duo of goals mid-period took Sweden out to a 4-0 lead. Both goals came on the power play as Sweden Capitalized on both extra-man chances of the period. Adam Larsson scored the 3-0 goal at 31:08 mark of the 2nd period, and it was followed by Max Friberg's marker two minutes later. Johan Larsson put in the 5-0 goal just moments later to make it a 5-0 lead Sweden Lead, effectively dashing any hopes that Belarus had for an opening game upset.

Johan Larsson put in his 2nd goal of the opening shift of the third period, while Erik Thorell made it 7-0 4 minutes later. Sweden out-shot Belarus 46-8.

Sweden is now in poll position to take first place in the group, although it still has two more preliminary round games. The first of those contests is on Friday against Switzerland. Belarus will look for its first win tomorrow against winless Canada.


Switzerland 1 U.S.A. 5 (1-1, 0-2, 0-2)

Switzerland VS. U.S.A. Photos: www.iihf.com/channels0910/wm18/pictures/page/0/game/SUI%20-%20USA.html

It was harder then they would have liked, but in the end the U.S. was able to earn its first win at this years World U18 Championship with a 5-1 win against Switzerland.

Austin Czarik was the man of the hour for the Americans. He scored the first two goals which came a critical point when the U.S. needed momentum and stability.

The Americans were whistled for five minors in the first period and spent most of the period killing the Swiss Power Play. Despite having 10 minutes with the extra man, Switzerland scored once in the stanza - an-even-strength goal from Gregory Hofmann. The lead stood for only 27 seconds as Czarnik put in the equalizer, one of the few bright spots for the Americans in the period.

Czarnik struck again 4:01 into the 2nd to give the U.S.A. its first lead of the game. The goal settled the Americans down and got them into their game plan as they took only one penalty the entire period. Bill Arnold put in a late bonus goal in the last 15 seconds to give the Americans some breathing room at the intermission.

The U.S. Continued to steadily improve and by the end of the game were easily able to put the Swiss away with two 3rd period goals. Adam Clendening and Jason Zucker each got their first goals of the tournament to pull the Americans through to the 5-1 win.

Both teams stand with a 1-1 record after the first two game days and the day off tomorrow. On Friday, the U.S. will take on Canada, while Switzerland has Sweden.


Group B in Minsk

Czech Republic 4 Slovakia 3 (1-0, 2-0, 1-3)

Czech Republic VS. Slovakia Photos: www.iihf.com/channels0910/wm18/pictures/page/0/game/CZE%20-%20SVK.html

The Czech Republic and Slovakia finished neck-and-neck at last year's World U18 Championship in 6th and 7th place, but today, the Czech's were the superior team with a 4-3 win against the Slovaks.

The Closeness of the score was deceiving as the Czechs had the game well in hand through most of the 60 minutes until the Slovaks rallied late in the game. But Slovakia really didn't threaten for the win, with the 4-3 goal coming only with 5 seconds left in the game.

Slovakia lived dangerously the entire first period, spending much of the time down a man and defending in the own zone. The Penalty trouble finally caught up with them in the final 14 seconds of the period when Michal Vachovec put in a two man advantage goal to give the Czechs the slim 1-0 lead.

The Czech Republic's Petr Zamorsky picked right up where his team left off, scoring the 2-0 goal just 1:37 into the 2nd period. Martin Fyk put in the 3-0 goal before the midway mark of the game.

The Slovaks struggled after falling behind, but created a small spark of hope late in the 3rd period when Marek Tvrdon put in a quirky, odd bouncing goal just as a two man advantage expired. A pair of Dominik's exchanged goals in the waning minutes - Dominik Uher for the Czech's and Dominik Simcak for the Slovaks - to make it a 4-2 affair.

The Slovaks pulled off goaltending Dominik Riecicky in favor of the attacker in the last minute and were last buoyed by a Czech Penalty. The extra two men allowed Simcak to put in the 4-3 goal with five seconds left in regulation, but despite the excitement it gave the crowd, the goal was merely academic as the last 5 seconds ticked off the clock.

Slovakia will take on Finland in tomorrow's game in Minsk and the Czechs have the day off.


Latvia 0 Russia 9 (0-2, 0-4, 0-3)

Latvia VS. Russia Photos: www.iihf.com/channels0910/wm18/pictures/page/0/game/LAT%20-%20RUS.html

Russia stayed unbeaten, and virtually unchallenged, at this year's U18 World Championship with an easy 9-0 win over Latvia. Russia has two wins in two games, while the Latvians are win-less in their two outings.

Russia's first power-play was representative of the entire game. They scored just 25 seconds into their first extra man chance, facing little resistance. Nikita Nesterov scored the opening tally on the rebound. Less then 3 minutes later Vladislav Namestnikov doubled the lead with his 2nd goal of the championship. After taking another pair of late-period penalties, Latvia was lucky to escape with just a 2-0 deficit at the end of the stanza as Russia swarmed the offensive zone.

The Latvian luck ran out in the 2nd period as the Russians poured in 4 unanswered goals. Namestnikov put in another two goals and an assist in the flurry to complete the hat trick. His 3rd goal 5:51 into the period promoted Latvia to pull goaltender Vadims Miscuks in favor of Kristers Gudlevskis.

The Change did little to help the Latvian curse as Russia put in another three goals in the 3rd period, cruising to the shutout win. Evgeni Kunetsov scored twice in the 3rd period, and closed the game with a pair of goals and an assist. Andrei Vasilveski earned the shutout bragging rights in the net.

Both teams are idle tomorrow. Unbeaten Russia has a big game against Finland on Friday that could be the key to taking first place. Meanwhile, Latvia will also resume play on Friday against the Czech Republic-a win is critical for the Latvians if they want to avoid the relegation round.


Day 3 Schedule, 4/15

Group A

Belarus VS. Canada


Group B

Slovakia VS. Finland


Group Standings after Day 2

Group A

1. Sweden 2-0-0-0 6 PTS 11-2

2. U.S.A. 1-0-0-1 3 PTS 7-5

3. Switzerland 1-0-0-1 3 PTS 4-6

4. Canada 0-0-0-1 0 PTS 1-3

5. Belarus 0-0-0-1 0 PTS 0-7


Group B

1. Russia 2-0-0-0 6 PTS 13-1

2. Finland 1-0-0-0 3 PTS 7-2

3. Czech Rep. 1-0-0-1 3 PTS 5-7

4. Slovakia 0-0-0-1 0 PTS 3-4

5. Latvia 0-0-0-2 0 PTS 2-16

IIHF U18 WC Day 1: Switzerland upsets Canada, Sweden comesback against the USA

The IIHF U18 World Hockey Championships got underway today in the Cities of Minsk & Bobruisk Belarus as the Americans are looking to defend their U18 World Championship that they won in Fargo, North Dakota and Moorhead, Minnesota last season.

It was a very dramatic first day as the Swiss are looking to win their first ever International Junior Medal after finishing in 4th place at the WJC back over the Holidays. Also, after going up 2-0 early in the 2nd period, the Swedes who finished 4th last year were able to comeback to win 4-2 on the opening day.

Russia is looking to win the U18 Gold after finishing with the Silver Medal last year which was a result of a blowout after the USA beat them 5-0 in the Gold Medal Last year. Also Finland were able to crush Latvia who were promoted from the U18 Division 1 Tournament last year with a strong 2nd period.

By Jenny Wiedeke of the International Ice Hockey Federation Website: www.iihf.com

Group A in Bobruisk


Sweden 4 U.S.A. 2 (0-1, 1-1, 3-0)

Sweden came back from a 2-0 deficit to beat defending U18 Champion United States, 4-2, in both teams opening game at this year's U18 World Championship.

The Americans controlled the first half of the game, but basically fell flat when the Swedes started applying pressure mid-game.

Sweden took an early first-period penalty and paid the price when Chase Balisey gave the Americans the 1-0 lead just 3:36 into action. The Teams exchanged penalties and not much else until Brandon Saad doubled the U.S. Lead 2:24 into the 2nd period. Ten Minutes later, Sweden finally got the puck past American Netminder Jack Campbell with a power play goal, making it a 2-1 affair.

Sweden continued to chip away at the Americans and its patience finally paid off when Henri Snall put in the equalizer 6:29 into the third period. The goal provided a huge momentum shift, as the Swedes had just killed off a penalty just over a minute before Snall Struck, which proved to be the Americans best chance to seal the win.

Johan Larsson delivered the death blow to the Americans with 10:46 left in regulation. The U.S. was rattled by the 3-2 goal and never recovered to challenge for the tying goal. The Americans pulled Campbell in the last 40 seconds, but it was only resulted in the empty net goal for Sweden, bringing the final to 4-2 while Sweden captain Larsson had a hat trick.

The Americans will take on Switzerland tomorrow in a game where both teams have unexpected records. Meanwhile, the Swedes will be the first team to play against host Belarus. The crowd tomorrow in Bobruisk is expected to be a sell-out.


Canada 1 Switzerland 3 (0-2, 1-0, 0-1)

It's only day one and the U18 World Championship already had its first major upset as 8th ranked Switzerland stunned Canada 3-1.

Switzerland jumped out to a surprising 2-0 lead in the first period against a flat Canadian Team that was caught on its heels. The defensemen were the Stars for the spunky Swiss as Dario Trutmann assisted on both first period goals, while his D-partner Samuel Guerra put in the 2-0 goal with 2:27 left in the first period.

Canada worked it's way back into the game, cutting the lead in half midway through the 2nd period when Quinton Howden scored. Although the shots were relatively even, Switzerland had the better chances throughout the game with several breakaways and a few post shots. Canadian goalie Calvin Pickard was largely responsible for keeping his team in the game.

But there was little that Pickard could do in the waining moments of the game to help his team get the tying goal when he was pulled in favor of the extra attacker. Despite spending much of the nail-biting minute in the Swiss Zone, Canada couldn't get the 2-2 equalizer. Joel Vermin got credit for the Swiss empty netter with 5 seconds left after he was slashed on the breakaway, giving Switzerland the 3-1 win.

Switzerland will need to keep its miracle skates sharp tomorrow when it takes on defending champion USA. Canada has the day off to regroup.


Group B in Minsk

Czech Republic 1 Russia 4 (0-1, 1-1, 0-2)

It wasn't flashy, but Russia earned its first win at this year's World U18 Championship with a 4-1 decision against the Czech Republic.

It was a near sellout in the Sports Palace as the fans turned out at the end of a long Belaruisan Holiday weekend to cheer on their Russian neighbors. Sergei Barbashev rewarded their efforts 7:01 into action with the first Russian Goal.

Midway through the game Maxim Shalunov increased the Russian lead, but the two goal lead would not last through the 2nd period as Michal Vachovek cut the advantage in half with the power play goal in the last minute of the 2nd period. It was a much needed boost for the struggling Czech Team, which had four power-play chances in the period, yet was out-shot nearly two-on-one.

But any thoughts that the Czechs had a comeback were squashed when Viktor Antipin scored on a five-on-three and gave Russia a 3-1 lead at the 48:49 mark. Vladimir Namestnikov brought the final to 4-1 with three minutes remaining. Russia out-shot the Czechs 40-15.

The Czechs have a key game against Slovakia tomorrow, while Russia takes on Latvia.


Finland 7 Latvia 2 (2-1, 4-1, 1-0)

Finland opened the U18 World Championship with an easy 7-2 win against newly promoted Latvia.

Finland pulled away in the 2nd period with a 4 goal output. Top prospect Mikael Granlund was the set-up man, getting 4 assists in the game, including three in the 2nd period surge.

Despite the lopsided score, Latvia played well against the Finns, keeping the shot tally balanced. The ulitmate decider was the special teams on both sides. Finland was superior in the 2nd period with three extra-man advantage goals, allowing them to jump to a 6-2 lead.

Until Granlund and the Finnish Power Play struck, the game was close. Latvia put in a five-on-three goal to tie things at 1-1 midway through the 1st period before Finalnd's Mikael Salmivitra scored a rare equal-strength goal to give the Finns a 2-1 lead at the end of the first period.

The 2nd period was all Finland, with the exception on one shorthanded breakaway by Latvia's Maris Dilevka midway through the 2nd period. A final Finnish power play goal with just over two minutes left in the third period from Miihkali Teppo brought the final to 7-1.

Latvia returns to action again tomorrow against Russia, while Finland has the day off.


Tournament Standings After Day 1

Group A

1. Switzerland 1-0-0-0 3 PTS 3-1

2. Sweden 1-0-0-0 3 PTS 4-2

3. Belarus 0-0-0-0 0 PTS 0-0

4. U.S.A. 0-0-0-1 0 PTS 2-4

5. Canada 0-0-0-1 0 PTS 1-3



Group B

1. Finland 1-0-0-0 3 PTS 7-2

2. Russia 1-0-0-0 3 PTS 4-1

3. Slovakia 0-0-0-0 0 PTS 0-0

4. Czech Rep. 0-0-0-1 0 PTS 1-4

5. Latvia 0-0-0-1 0 PTS 2-7


Day 2 Schedule on 4/14

Group A

Switzerland VS. U.S.A.

Sweden VS. Belarus


Group B

Latvia VS. Russia

Czech Republic VS. Slovakia

2010 Team USA U18 World Championship Roster

The roster for Team U.S.A. for this year's IIHF World Championship was revelled back on March 31 as the Americans are looking to defend their title that they won in Fargo, N.D. and Morehead, Minnesota last year. This season's World U18 Championship will be taking place in Minsk and Bobruisk in Belarus from April 13-23. Since the U18 World Championship was started by the IIHF in 1999, the Americans have won this tournament 4 times throughout the event's history.

All the games between the local time in Belarus and the Central Time Zone is 8 hours so it may be a bit difficult to cover some of the games, especially when they play early in the day. Also no Southwest Based players have made the roster for this year's tournament, not even Collin Jacobs of the Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL) who's from Coppell, Texas made it.

My Analysis: Despite the weak season the USNTDP had during the United States Hockey League Regular Season. USA Hockey has for the most part gone with a roster that's heavy on talent from the USNTDP during the entire history of this event since its creation back in 1999. The results speak for themselves as they have gold 4 times in this event's history and has walked out with a medal in 7 of the last 8 years.

For the goaltenders, look for Jack Campbell has a ton of international experience including winning the World Junior Championship earlier this season and last year's U18 World Championship as a backup by playing a couple of games as well.

Defense wise they going with size with 5 of the 7 defense being at 195 pounds or more and a couple of players that are expected to be great puck mover including Adam Clending who had 17 points and a +16, so he's expected to help set up of the top forwards like Matthew Nieto and Austin Czarnik who lead the team this season with 29 and 28 points, even though they played just 24 and 26 games during the season. Keep in mind that the U17 & U18 NTDP's play half of the schedule which is a part of the USHL Regular Season.

One forward that's expected to bring the hits is Matthew Rust who's one of the more physical forwards and can make some of the faster teams like Russia and Finland a hard time of opposing defense's to make a run on the team.

Overall, it's going to be much tougher this year with Russia looking for revenge after the U.S.A. ran away with the Final in the 3rd period. Also with teams like Belarus & Latvia looking to impress and avoid relegation, they will be playing their heart's out early on to get in a spot to keep their spot and to play well on home ice.

The Americans will be in the tougher group to start out the tournament as the Americans will play Canada who almost knocked out the Americans in the Semifinals last year. Also the Swedes are looking to get back it in after finishing 5th last year. Rounding out the Group is Switzerland and Tournament Host Belarus.

I expect the Americans to win a Medal again, but with the Americans winning gold 3 times in recent years, the opposition will be eager to knock them off. I don't have the feeling that the Americans will defend the Gold again this year. I think a team like Canada or Russia will edge them out this year.

Group B will be headed by Russia and Finland as the Silver & Bronze Medalist from last year. Joining them will be the Czech Republic and Slovakia who will be looking to avoid the relegation Round. Rounding them out will be Latvia who fought off a tough challenge from Austria and Denmark to win promotion last year.


Here's a look at the roster and schedule plus the team press release from USA Hockey.

From the USA Hockey Website: http://www.usahockey.com/

From Ann Arbor, Michigan: USA Hockey today announced the 22 man roster for its 2010 U.S. Men's National U18 Team that will compete at the 2010 International Ice Hockey Federation World Men's U18 Championship from April 13-23 in Minsk and Bobruisk, Belarus.

Highlighting the roster are five returnees from the National Under 18 Team that captured Gold at the 2009 IIHF World Men's U18 World Championship in Fargo, N.D. and Moorhead. Minn. Goaltender Jack Campbell (Port Huron, Michigan), who was named to the Media All Star Team at last year's event, will return between the pipes. Defensemen Adam Clendening (Niagara Falls, NY) and Jon Merrill (Brighton, Michigan) and forwards Matthew Nieto (Long Beach, California) and Jason Zucker (Las Vegas, Nevada) will also be competing in their 2nd IIHF World Men's U-18 Championship.

In addition, Campbell and Zucker were also part of the U.S. National Junior Team that won the Gold Medal at the 2010 IIHF World Junior Championships in Saskatoon and Regina in Saskatchewan in January.

Team U.S.A. will carry seven defensemen at the 2010 IIHF World Men's U18 Championship including clendening, Justin Faulk (South St. Paul, Minnesota), Derek Forbort (Duluth, Minnesota) Stephen Jones (Wampum, Pennsylvania), Merrill, Frankie Simonelli (Bensenville, Illinois) and Jarred Tinordi (Millersville, Maryland).

Nieto and Zucker highlighted the group of 13 forwards, which also included Bill Arnold (Needham, Mass.) Chase Bailey (Fullerton, California) Tyler Biggs (Cincinnati, Ohio) Connor Brickly (Everett, Mass.) Austin Czarnik (Washington, Michigan) Rocco Grimaldi (Rossmoor, California) Luke Moffatt (Paradise Valley, Arizona), Bryan Rust (Bloomfield Hills, Michigan) Brandon Saad (Gibsonia, PA), Nick Shore (Denver, Colorado) and Austin Watson (Ann Arbor, Michigan).

Team USA will be backstopped by goaltenders Campbell and Andy Iiles (Ithaca, NY).

The U.S.A. Men's National U18 Team will open the tournament play against the Sweden on April 13 at Bobruisk Arena at 7:00 PM Local Time (11 AM CDT). Team U.S.A. Full Schedule can be found below.


Team U.S.A. Notes: The U.S.A. Men's National U18 Team will be lead by head coach Kurt Kleinendorst, who will be participating in his first IIHF World Men's U18 Championship. John Wroblewski, Tam Taylor, Joe Exter and Cole Bassett will serve as assistant coaches for Team U.S.A. Twenty of the 22 players on Team U.S.A.'s roster come from USA Hockey's National Team Developmental Program based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Connor Brickley plays for the Des Moines Buccaneers of the United States Hockey League, while Austin Waston plays for the Peterborough Petes (OHL). The Roster includes 20 players born in 1992 and two from the 1993 birth year. Forward Tyler Briggs, born April 30, 1993 is the U.S.A.'s youngest player while goaltender Jack Campbell, born Jan. 9, 1992 is the oldest. Biggs and Rocco Grimaldi were part of the U.S.A National U-17 Team that captured the 2010 U-17 World Hockey Challenge title in Timmins, Ontario, in January. The United States captured medals at a record 6 straight IIHF Men's U18 World Championship (Gold in 2005, 2006, 2009 Silver in 2004 and 2007 Bronze in 2008). Additionally, no other country has more gold medals then Team U.S.A. since the IIHF World Men's U-18 World Championship was created in 1999. In addition to the United States, the tournament includes Tournament Host Belarus, Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, Latvia, Russia, Slovakia, Switzerland, Sweden and Switzerland. Team U.S.A. will play two pre-tournament games against Belarus and Slovakia in Bobruisk and Soligorsk, Belarus.


Here's a look at the Tournament Groups and Team U.S.A. Pre Tournament and Group Stage Schedule.

Group A in Bobruinsk: U.S.A., Canada, Sweden, Switzerland, Belarus

Group B in Minsk: Russia, Finland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Latvia


Team U.S.A. Pre-Tournament and Group Stage Schedule (All Game Times are Local Time and CDT)

4/8: VS. Belarus 6:00 PM/10:00 AM @ Soligorsk*

4/10: VS. Slovakia 5:00 PM/9:00 AM @ Bobruisk*

4/13: VS. Sweden 7:00 PM/11:00 AM @ Bobruisk

4/14: VS. Switzerland 3:30 PM/7:30 AM @ Bobruisk

4/16: VS. Canada 7:00 PM/11:00 AM @ Bobruisk

4/18: VS. Belarus 7:00 PM/11:00 AM @ Bobruisk


*Pre Tournament Games


Team U.S.A. Roster

Goalies

1. Jack Campbell 6'2" 185 1/9/92 Port Huron, Michigan USNTDP U18

29. Andy Iles 5'8" 179 1/30/92 Ithaca, N.Y. USNTDP U18


Defensemen

5. Adam Clendening 5'11" 190 10/26/92 Niagara Falls, N.Y. USNTDP U18

27. Justin Faulk 5'11" 193 3/20/92 South St. Paul, Minn. USNTDP U18

3. Derek Forbot 6'4" 195 3/4/92 Duluth, Minn. USNTDP U18

28. Stephen Johns 6'3" 215 4/18/92 Wampum, PA. USNTDP U18

15. John Merill 6'3" 200 2/3/92 Brighton, Michigan USNTDP U18

17. Frankie Simonelli 5'10" 187 10/29/92 Bensenville, Ill. USNTDP U18

24. Jarred Tinordi 6'5" 202 2/20/92 Millersville, MD USNTDP U18


Forwards

10. Bill Arnold 5'11" 217 5/13/92 Needham, Mass. USNTDP U18

13. Chase Balisey 5'10" 170 2/2/92 Fullerton, Calif. USNTDP U18

4. Tyler Biggs 6'2" 202 4/30/93 Cincinnati, Ohio USNTDP U17

20. Connor Brickley 6'2" 195 2/25/92 Everett, Mass. Des Moines, Buccaneers (USHL)

18. Austin Czarnik 5'7" 155 12/12/92 Washingon, Mich. USNTDP U18

21. Rocco Grimaldi 5'6" 157 2/8/92 Rossmoor, Calif. USNTDP U17

7. Luke Moffatt 6'0" 179 6/11/92 Paradise Valley, Ariz. USNTDP U18

19. Matthew Nieto 5'11" 191 11/5/92 Long Beach, Calif. USNTDP U18

12. Bryan Rust 5'11" 191 5/11/92 Bloomfield Hills, Mich. USNTDP U18

22. Brandon Saad 6'1" 196 10/27/92 Gibsonia, PA. USNTDP U18

23. Nick Shore 6'0" 186 9/26/92 Denver, Colo. USNTDP U18

14. Austin Watson 6'3" 171 1/13/92 Ann Arbor, Mich. Peterborough Pets (OHL)

16. Jason Zucker 5'10" 168 1/16/92 Las Vegas, Nev. USNTDP U18