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BLAINE, Minn. -- Ty Smilanic (Elizabeth, Colo.), Hunter McKown (St. Louis, Mo.), Brett Berard (E. Greenwich, R.I.) and Luke Tuch (Baldwinsville, N.Y.) all scored as the U.S. National Under-17 Team defeated the Northeast Generals, 4-3, in their first game at the NAHL Showcase at Schwan Super Rink.
Team USA got off to a strong start when Smilanic scored a minute into the game before McKown doubled the lead 1:36 later.
The Generals got one on the board 3:49 into the frame, before netting the equalizer at 11:33.
Team USA regained their lead with 7:34 left in the first when Berard found the back of the net with the assist of Brock Faber (Maple Grove, Minn.).
Tuch furthered the lead to 4-2 with 5:12 remaining in the first, with Thomas Bordeleau (Houston, Texas) recording an assist on the play.
The Northeast Generals put themselves within one when they scored 3:34 into the middle frame, but a scoreless third period accounted for the 4-3 Team USA victory.
Drew Commesso (Norwell, Mass.) started in net and stopped 14 of 17 shots in 30:26, while Noah Grannan played the remaining 29:34 and stopped all 16 shots faced.
Team USA returns to action tomorrow (Sept. 22) at 8:00 pm ET when they face the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights in their second matchup at the NAHL Showcase.