INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Edwin Minney (Wind Gap, Pa.) made 34 saves, including 19 in the second period, as the U.S. National Under-18 Team topped the Indiana Ice, 4-1, here tonight at Pan Am Pavilion. With the win, the U18s record in the United States Hockey League improves to 13-3-1 (W-L-OTL) in the regular season.
Team USA opened the scoring at 6:48 in the first period on the power play. Jack Glover (Golden Valley, Minn.) sent a long shot on net as Anders Bjork (Mequon, Wis.) skated into the slot. The puck glanced off Bjork's stick for the score. Dylan Larkin (Waterford, Mich.) also assisted on the play.
Sonny Milano (Massapequa, N.Y.) doubled the lead at 1:06 of the second stanza. Jack Eichel (North Chelmsford, Mass.) set up the play to record the helper. The U.S. went up 3-0 at 6:06 when Alex Tuch (Baldwinsville, N.Y.) evaded a defender behind the net. The forward stepped out and wrapped the puck around the post to light the lamp. Milano and Eichel registered assists.
Indiana found the back of the net less than one minute into the third to spoil Minney's shutout bid. The marker stood as the lone Ice tally as Eichel added an empty net goal to secure the 4-1 victory.
The U.S. National Under-18 Team will face its third contest in as many days tomorrow (Feb. 23) in a rematch against the Indiana Ice. Puck drop is scheduled for 3:05 p.m. EST at Pan Am Pavilion.
Jack Eichel has three straight multiple-point games within the USHL. The forward has two goals and five assists in that span. He has also registered a combined +7 rating in those contests ... Sonny Milano can match that feat, having also recorded three straight multiple-point games, including two goals and three assists ... Anders Bjork is riding a three-game point streak within the USHL. The forward has three goals and one assist dating back to Jan. 24 ... Follow the NTDP on Twitter and like us on Facebook ... Download the Sport Ngin Mobile App for Apple iOS and Android devices and follow the U.S. National Under-17 and Under-18 Teams. Fans, parents, athletes, and coaches now have unprecedented access to scores, stats, schedules, photos, and more. The app is free and allows users to track scores and news updates from one team. Those wishing to follow more than one team can make a simple in-app purchase of $1.99. Click here to download the app.
1st Star
U.S. National Under-18 Team
Edwin Minney (34 saves)
2nd Star
U.S. National Under-18 Team
Jack Eichel (1 goal, 2 assists)
3rd Star
U.S. National Under-18 Team
Sonny Milano (1 goal, 2 assists)