DMITROV, Russia – Keenan Suthers (Macomb, Mich.) tallied the game-winning goal late in the third period and Jake Oettinger (Lakeville, Minn.) made 30 saves as the U.S. National Under-17 Team clipped Finland, 2-1, here tonight at Dmitrov Arena. With the victory, Team USA’s record improves to 2-0-0-1 (W-OTW-OTL-L) at the 2015 Under-17 Five Nations Tournament.
James Sanchez (Northbrook, Ill.) opened the scoring for Team USA 13:29 into the first frame, snapping a Clayton Keller (Swansea, Ill.) feed into the net. Oettinger was tested nine times and denied each chance to preserve the lead after 20 minutes.
Finland knotted the game at 16:39 of the second stanza, leading to a tightly contested third period that saw Suthers score the eventual game-winner. Heading around the net to attempt the wrap around, Nick Pastujov’s (Bradenton, Fla.) attempt was kicked out but batted in by Suthers.
The U.S. National Under-17 Team wraps up tournament play tomorrow (Feb. 6) against Sweden. Puck drop is scheduled for 10 a.m. ET.
Notes: Team USA was outshot by Finland, 31-20 … The U.S. went 0-3 on the power play while Finland went 0-7 … Follow @USAHockeyScores for live scoring updates from the tournament. Join the conversation on social media by using the hashtag #U17FiveNations … Danton Cole, head coach of the U.S. National Under-17 Team, is leading the squad in Russia, along with assistant coach John Gruden and intern assistant coach Tyler Walsh … All 22 players on the roster are from USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program … For the complete Under-17 Team roster, click here … Team USA claimed first place in last year’s tournament held in Sundsvall, Sweden … The U.S. National Under-17 Team trains with The Hockey IntelliGym, a revolutionary software program that trains hockey sense. To learn more, visit USAHockeyIntelliGym.com.
2015 Under-17 Five Nations Tournament
Feb. 3-6 | Dmitrov, Russia
Date Opponent Time (ET) / Result
Tues., Feb. 3 Czech Republic W, 3-1
Wed., Feb. 4 Russia L, 6-0
Thurs., Feb. 5 Finland W, 2-1
Fri., Feb. 6 Sweden 10:00 a.m.
