PLYMOUTH, Mich. –  Despite a productive first period, the U.S. National Under-17 Team could not stymie the Green Bay Gamblers' offense, falling, 7-2, Friday night at USA Hockey Arena.

In a back-and-forth first period, the U.S. jumped out to a 1-0 lead when Frank Nazar III (Mount Clemens, Mich.) blocked a feed in the U.S. zone before beating a Green Bay defender to the puck and slotting a shot in behind goaltender Matthew Davis. 

The Gamblers knotted the game at a goal apiece 14:16 into the game, but Rutger McGroarty (Lincoln, Neb.) put away a fanned shot from Logan Cooley (West Mifflin, Pa.) at close range to put the U17s back on top, 2-1. 

Gamblers scored three more goals to round out a 7-2 victory and take game one of the series. 

Tyler Muszelik (Long Valley, N.J.) made 37 saves in goal for the U.S. 

The U17s return to the ice Saturday evening to finish off the series against the Gamblers. Puck drop is slated for a 7 p.m. start and the game can be viewed live on HockeyTV.com. Limited tickets are also available by visiting USAHockeyNTDP.com/tix or by calling  734-453-6400 x 396.