The first period featured a steady back-and-forth pace as every Team USA skater looked for the goal that would trigger the annual teddy bear toss.

Eli Winters (Muskegon, Mich.) kept the game scoreless through the opening frame, turning aside all 10 shots he faced.

Early in the second, Carter Meyer delivered the moment the crowd was waiting for. On the power play, Nolan Fitzhenry threaded a cross-ice pass to Meyer, who buried a one-timer to put Team USA up 1–0 as teddy bears rained onto the ice.

Lincoln responded quickly with a goal from Alex Pelletier, then took the lead minutes later when Kade Kohanski capitalized on a rebound to take the lead into the third period.

Despite numerous chances by the U17s, the Stars netted two late goals, to take the win 4-1.

Winters stopped 35 shots in net.

The U17s travel to Finland for the Vierumaki Cup. They take on the hosts in international play on Dec. 10. Puck drop is set for 11:30 a.m. ET.