VELIKY NOVGOROD, Russia -The U.S. National Under-17 Team defeated Switzerland this morning, 7-2 behind a hat trick performance from Cole Caufield (Stevens Point, Wis.) in its second game of the 2017 Under-17 Four Nations Tournament.
Caufield netted Team USA’s first goal at 1:13 of the first period. He sent the puck in from the slot with help from Jack Hughes (Orlando, Fla.) and John Beecher (Elmira, N.Y.).
Hughes shot the puck, skated around the net, and cleaned up his own rebound at 5:06 of the first period to extend the U17s lead, 2-0.
Switzerland got on the board, sending a one-timer in from the slot at 9:15 of the first to make it 2-1 after the first 20 minutes.
Cam York (Anaheim Hills, Calif.) sent the puck in from the high slot at 1:19 of the second period to extend Team USA’s lead to 3-1. Alex Turcotte (Island Lake, Ill.) added the assist.
Michael Gildon (Plano, Texas) cleaned up a rebound to make it 4-1 before Switzerland got one back to pull within two at 6:08 of the second period.
Trevor Zegras (Bedford, N.Y.) re-extended the USA lead at 6:48 of the third period before Caufield added two to complete the hat trick at 9:11 and 12:30.
Goaltender, Cameron Rowe (Wilmette, Ill.) had 14 saves as the U17s outshot Switzerland, 48-16.
The U17s are back in action tomorrow (Dec.16) to close out its Four Nations Tournament against host, Russia at 10:30 am ET. Watch tomorrow’s game live here.
