Under-17 Team Clipped by Fargo in First of Two-Game Series in Ann Arbor

USA Hockey National Team Development Program

Under-17 Team Clipped by Fargo in First of Two-Game Series in Ann Arbor

By USA Hockey, 12/14/12, 10:30AM EST

Coach Danton Cole has the attention of the entire team during a timeout against Fargo on Dec. 13, 2012. Photo by Tom Sorensen.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The U.S. National Under-17 Team staked a two-goal lead in the first period, but were unable to hold on as the Fargo Force came from behind to defeat Team USA, 4-3, at the Ann Arbor (Mich.) Ice Cube on Dec. 13, 2012.

Ryan Hitchcock (Manhasset, N.Y.) gave the U.S. a 1-0 lead at 13:04 when he wristed a shot that snuck under the pads of Fargo netminder Cameron Johnson. Dylan Larkin (Waterford, Mich.) and Alex Tuch (Baldwinsville, N.Y.) registered assists on the tally. Team USA doubled its lead when Jack Eichel (North Chelmsford, Mass.) beat a Fargo defender with some fancy stick work and deked the goaltender before depositing the puck into the net. Sonny Milano (Massapequa, N.Y.) chipped the puck up along the boards to spring Eichel. Brandon Fortunato (North Hills, N.Y.) also assisted. The Force cut the U.S. lead in half, 2-1, with just four seconds remaining in the frame, converting on a turnover.

Eichel celebrates his first period goal. Photo by Tom Sorensen.

Fargo reeled off three consecutive goals within 31 seconds of each other to take a 4-2 lead late in the second stanza. Team USA called timeout to regroup after the barrage. With less than a minute remaining in the period, Jack Glover (Golden Valley, Minn.) launched a shot that clanked off the iron and into the net. The Under-17 Team trailed the Force, 4-3, heading into the third frame.

Team USA put six shots on Johnson in the final stanza, but were unable to find the equalizing goal. Hunter Miska (North Branch, Minn.) was pulled with 52 seconds remaining in favor of the extra attacker, but the gamble did not pay off.

Miska made 25 saves in the loss for the Under-17 Team, while Johnson turned aside 20 shots in the win for Fargo.

Team USA and Fargo will again clash tonight (Dec. 14) at 7 p.m. EST. The game will be held at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube. Tickets are available by calling (734) 327-9251 or by visiting the box office at 2121 Oak Valley Drive in Ann Arbor.