J.T. Compher rushes up ice versus the Muskegon Lumberjacks at L.C. Walker Arena. Photo by Alicia Roberts.
MUSKEGON, Mich. - Jack Eichel (North Chelmsford, Mass.) scored the eventual game-winning goal and Thatcher Demko (San Diego, Calif.) made 23 saves, as the U.S. National Under-18 Team defeated the Muskegon Lumberjacks, 2-1, on March 15, 2013, at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube. The U18s have now won five straight contests against United States Hockey League opponents dating back to March 3.
Demko hugs the post against Muskegon. Photo by Alicia Roberts.
John Hayden (Greenwich, Conn.) opened scoring for Team USA at 10:17 of the first frame. Clint Lewis (Burnsville, Minn.) and Keaton Thompson (Devils Lake, N.D.) collected assists on the tally. Eichel found the back of the net with just over one minute remaining in the period to double the U.S. lead.
Muskegon sliced the Under-18 Team advantage in half at 13:27 of the second stanza. Team USA outshot its opponent, 13-6, in the frame but Lumberjacks goaltender Kevin Lindskoug turned aside each attempt to keep it at a one-goal game.
Demko made 10 saves in the third period, as the U.S. held on for a 2-1 victory.
The U.S. National Under-18 Team next faces the Youngstown Phantoms on Tuesday, March 19. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. EDT at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube.
Three Stars of the Game
1st Star
Muskegon Lumberjacks
Jeff Kubiak, forward (1 goal)
2nd Star
Muskegon Lumberjacks
Adam Gilmour, forward (1 assist)
3rd Star
Muskegon Lumberjacks
Brian Morgan, forward (1 assist)