SYLVAN LAKE, Alberta — The U.S. Under-18 Men’s Select Team defeated Slovakia 10-4 this afternoon in an exhibition tuneup at Sylvan Lake NexSource Center prior to the 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
Team USA captain John Farinacci (Chatham, N.J.) led all skaters with four points (1G, 3A), while Nicholas Robertson (Northville, Mich.) collected three points (2G, 1A), all in the third period.
Josh Nodler (Oak Park, Mich.) opened the scoring for Team USA at 2:32, beating Slovakian netminder Patrick Kozel over the right shoulder after an entry pass from Jackson Jutting (Savage, Minn.).
The U.S. would lead for the entirety of the game following Nodler’s goal, outshooting Slovakia 55-29.
Dustin Wolf (Tustin, Calif.) started the game in goal for Team USA, making 15 saves on 17 shots. Derek Mullahy (Scituate, Mass.) entered at the halfway point and made 10 saves on 12 shots.
In all, 13 skaters recorded points for the U.S., including Arthur Kaliyev (Delray Beach, Fla.), who registered one goal and added an assist.
The U.S. opens preliminary-round play Monday (Aug. 6) at the 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup when it meets the Czech Republic. Puck drop at Servus Arena in Red Deer, Alberta, is set for 7 p.m. local time (9 p.m. ET). The game will be streamed live on HockeyTV.
