Eichel Tallies Game-Winning Goal, Adds Two Assists
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TURKU, Finland – Jack Eichel (North Chelmsford, Mass.) tallied the game-winning goal in overtime and added two assists as the U.S. National Under-18 Team defeated Finland, 4-3, here tonight at Kupittaa Arena. With the win, Team USA improved to 0-1-0-1 (W-OTW-OTL-L) at the 2013 Under-18 Four Nations Tournament.
“Tonight’s game is another reminder that we have to work hard all game long and good things will happen,” said Danton Cole, head coach of the U.S. National Under-18 Team. “Our guys didn’t give up and now we can focus on closing out the tournament against Switzerland tomorrow.”
Sonny Milano (Massapequa, N.Y.) struck first for the U.S. just 1:25 into the opening frame. Alex Tuch(Baldwinsville, N.Y.) and Eichel set up the play, each earning an assist.
Finland knotted the score at the 2:00 mark of the second stanza. Team USA quickly retook the lead when Ryan Donato (Scituate, Mass.) lit the lamp 15 seconds later. Tuch gave the U.S. a two-goal cushion at 13:40, but the Finns answered back in rapid succession, scoring at 15:35 and then again at16:17 on the power play to tie the game, 3-3.
Both teams were held scoreless in the third period, sending the contest into overtime. Eichel lifted the U.S. over Finland with a goal at 2:34 of the extra frame. Milano collected an assist on the strike.
Eric Schierhorn (Anchorage, Alaska) made 22 saves in the win for Team USA, while Kaapo Kahkonen turned aside 39 shots in the loss for Finland.
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