AUGSBURG, Germany – Ryan Zapolski (Erie, Pa.) turned away all 33 shots he faced to lead the U.S. Men’s Select Team’s to a 1-0 victory over Slovakia in its opening game at the Deutschland Cup.
“Our guys played unbelievably hard for each other,” said Mark Osiecki, head coach of the U.S. Men’s Select Team. “Everyone was into the game from the start and it was certainly a good way to start the tournament.”
After a scoreless first period, Ben Hanowski (Little Falls, Minn.) scored what proved to be the game winner just 3:31 into the second period. Broc Little (Phoenix, Ariz.) was credited with the lone assist on the play.
Slovakia pulled its goaltender in the last minute of the game, but the U.S. held strong to gain the victory.
Team USA will continue competition at the Deutschland Cup tomorrow (Nov. 7) at 10 a.m. ET tomorrow when it takes on Switzerland.
Notes: The U.S. and Slovakia were both 0-for-3 on the power play … Slovakia outshot the U.S., 33-25 … Click here for complete game statistics … The 2015 Deutschland Cup includes the U.S., Slovakia, Switzerland and host Germany … For more information on the U.S. Men’s Select Team click here … USA Hockey’s international council, chaired by Gavin Regan (Potsdam, N.Y.), vice president of USA Hockey, has oversight responsibilities for all U.S. teams that compete internationally.
