The Jan. 5, 3:25 pm: USA Hockey release of Russia's 4-2 defeat of the US in the Bronze Medal Game; Kyle Okposo sets-up Rhett Rakhshani in the losing effort

posted at Saturday, January 5, 3:25 pm

U.S. National Junior Team Finishes Fourth in World Junior Championship

vanRiemsdyk Finishes as Team USA's Top Point Getter

 
PARDUBICE, Czech Republic - The U.S. National Junior Team finished fourth in the 2008 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship after a 4-2 loss to Russia today in the bronze medal game of the event.

"It was disappointing to finish the way we did after such a good start in this tournament," said U.S. Head Coach John Hynes. "We lacked the intensity we needed today."

Russia jumped out to a 3-0 lead after the opening period. Alexei Cherepanov put home a backhanded shot in front at 3:59 for the game's opening goal. With Russia on the power play, a shot from the center point by Evgeni Kurbatov deflected off the skate of U.S. defenseman Chris Summers (Milan, Mich./University of Michigan) and past netminder Jeremy Smith (Brownstown, Mich./Plymouth) at 11:04. A cross-crease feed by Cherepanov found Nikita Filatov at 16:57 for the final tally of the period.

Filatov put home a rebound on the power play past U.S. netminder Joe Palmer (Yorkville, N.Y./The Ohio State University) 1:30 into the second stanza to increase Russia's lead to 4-0. Team USA got on the board at 10:47 when Rhett Rakhshani (Huntington Beach, Calif./University of Denver) maneuvered in front after a feed from Kyle Okposo (St. Paul, Minn.) and beat Sergei Bobrovsky high to the glove side. Russia had a 4-1 lead after 40 minutes.

Jordan Schroeder (Prior Lake, Minn./U.S. National Under-18 Team) had a terrific chance from between the circles for Team USA five minutes into the period, but Bobrovsky was up to the challenge. Schroeder, however, did score at 13:39 from the high slot through traffic with the United States on a five-on-three power play. Bobby Sanguinetti (Lumberton, N.J./Brampton) drew the lone assist on the play. Team USA continued to put pressure on down the stretch, but could get no closer.

Smith had five saves in the first period for Team USA, while Palmer played the final two periods and had 16 stops. Sergei Bobrovsky made 19 saves for Russia.

NOTES: The United States finished fourth in the World Junior Championship, with four wins and two losses in its six games ... Team USA's Player of the Game was Bobby Sanguinetti (Lumberton, N.J./Brampton) ... James vanRiemsdyk (Middletown, N.J./University of New Hampshire), Chris Summers (Milan, Mich./University of Michigan) and Colin Wilson (Greenwich, Conn./Boston University) were named Team USA's best three players of the tournament ... The United States has played for either the gold or bronze medal in the World Junior Championship for a U.S.-record six straight years ... James vanRiemsdyk finished as Team USA's leading point getter with 5-6--11. He scored a goal in five of Team USA's six games ... Colin Wilson was Team USA's top goal scorer with six, including a natural hat trick in the preliminary round against Finland ... Jordan Schroeder (Prior Lake, Minn./U.S. National Under-18 Team) had seven assists to pace Team USA ... Brian Strait (Waltham, Mass./Boston University) served as Team USA's captain, while Chris Summers, Blake Geoffrion (Brentwood, Tenn./University of Wisconsin) and Tyler Ruegsegger (Lakewood, Colo./University of Denver) were alternate captains ... The 2009 World Junior Championship will be played in Ottawa, Ontario. The United States will host the event in 2011 at a site-to-be-determined.


GAME SUMMARY

Scoring By Period

RUS 3 1 0 4
USA 0 1 1 2
         



First Period - Scoring: 1, RUS Cherepanov (Filatov, Mamin), 3:59; 2, RUS Kurbatov (Tikhonov), 11:04 (pp); 3, RUS Filatov (Cherepanov), 16:57. Penalties: RUS, Kalimulin (hooking), 5:48; USA, Rust (2-slashing), 8:09; USA, Flynn (checking from behind), 10:43; USA, Flynn (misconduct), 10:43; RUS, Gordeyev (tripping), 12:44; RUS, Kalimulin (tripping), 14:42; RUS, Sayustov (delaying the game), 17:18; USA, Montgomery (hooking), 19:58.

Second Period - Scoring: 4, RUS Filatov (Mamin, Cherepanov), 1:30 (pp); 5, USA Rakhshani (Okposo), 10:47. Penalties: USA, Schroeder (holding), 12:26; USA, Ruegsegger (tripping), 16:34.

Third Period - Scoring: 6, USA Schroeder (Sanguinetti), 13:39 (pp). Penalties: RUS, Bench (too many players), 12:30; RUS, Tikhonov (hooking), 13:11; USA, Fairchild (tripping), 16:07; USA, Wilson (hooking), 18:38.


Shots by Period  1 2 3 Total
RUS   8 11 6 25
USA   9 3 9 21
           
Goaltenders (SH/SV)   1 2 3 Total
RUS, Bobrovsky, 60:00   9-9 3-2 9-8 21-19
USA, Smith, 20:00   8-5 x-x x-x 8-5
USA, Palmer, 40:00   x-x 11-10 6-6 17-16
 
Power Play: RUS 2-7; USA 1-6
Penalties: RUS 6-12, USA 8-24
Officials: Referees - Danny Kurmann (Switzerland), Jyri Petteri Ronn (Finland); Linesmen - Jeff Jobson (Canada), Felix Winnekens (Germany)
Attendance: 5,468

Team USA 2008 IIHF World Junior Championship Schedule
Dec. 26-Jan. 5 Liberec & Pardubice, Czech Republic


Date Opponent Venue Results
Dec. 18 Western Michigan University (Ex.) Lawson Ice Arena W, 4-2
Dec. 22 Czech Republic (Ex.) Ceska Trebova L, 2-5
Dec. 26 Kazakhstan Tipsport Arena W, 5-1
Dec. 28 Switzerland Tipsport Arena W, 4-2
Dec. 29 Russia Tipsport Arena W, 3-2
Dec. 31 Finland Tipsport Arena W, 5-3
Jan. 4 Canada (Semifinal)
 CEZ Arena L, 1-4
Jan. 5 Russia (Bronze Medal Game) CEZ Arena L, 2-4
 

 

The Jan. 4, 10:15 pm: USA Hockey’s game recap of Canada’s 4-1 defeat of the US at the WJC; Islanders prospects Kyle Okposo and Rhett Rakhshani skate with the US for the Bronze at 10 am EDT vs. Russia; Islanders prospects forward Robin Figren and goaltender Stefan Ridderwall go for Gold at 2 pm EDT. Listen Live to the US-Russia game

Posted on Friday, January 4 at 10:15 pm


U.S. National Junior Team Falls To Canada, 4-1, in WJC Semifinals
Team USA to Face Russia In Bronze Medal Game Tomorrow
 
PARDUBICE, Czech Republic  The U.S. National Junior Team will play for the bronze medal in the 2008 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship tomorrow (Jan. 5) against Russia after a 4-1 loss to Canada tonight in the semifinals of the tournament.

"Canada played a great game," said U.S. Head Coach John Hynes. "Our guys will re-focus and be ready to play tomorrow. We have a chance to win back-to-back medals in this tournament for the first time in the history of our country."

It was a scoreless and evenly-played first period. U.S. netminder Jeremy Smith (Brownstown, Mich./Plymouth) made 10 saves in the stanza, including a solid stop on Colton Gillies' backhanded chance at the side of the net seven minutes in.

Canada took the lead at 2:46 of the second period when Shawn Matthias scored from just outside the crease after an end-wall feed from Matthew Halischuk. Then at 10:00, Karl Alzner fired one home from the top of the left circle on the power play. Team USA had a 13-to-6 shots on goal advantage in the period with Max Pacioretty's (New Canaan, Conn./University of Michigan) rebound chance in front 11 minutes into the stanza among them. Team USA's penalty-killing unit foiled :41 of a two-man Canada advantage late in the period to keep the game within reach after 40 minutes.

With goals by Gillies and Brad Marchand at 7:04 and 7:24, Canada took control of the game. James vanRiemsdyk (Middletown, N.J./University of New Hampshire) banged one in from the right of Canada netminder Steve Mason at 13:26 to account for the lone U.S. goal of the contest. Mike Carman (Apple Valley, Minn./University of Minnesota) gained an assist on the play.
Smith had 20 saves for Team USA, while Mason made 33 stops for Canada.

Tomorrow's bronze medal game between the U.S. and Russia will begin at 10:00 a.m. EST at the CEZ Arena in Pardubice.

NOTES: Team USA's line of Rhett Rakhshani (Huntington Beach, Calif./University of Denver), Tyler Ruegsegger (Lakewood, Colo./University of Denver) and Kyle Okposo (St. Paul, Minn.) took the opening faceoff and dominated in the Canada end for the entire shift ... Team USA has a chance to win a medal in the World Junior Championship for the second straight year. Never has the U.S. won back-to-back medals in World Junior Championship play ... The U.S. faced Russia in the preliminary round and earned a 3-2 victory ...The United States is playing for a medal in the World Junior Championship for a U.S.-record sixth straight year ... Ryan Flynn (Lino Lakes, Minn./University of Minnesota) was named Team USA's Player of the Game ... Tomorrow's bronze medal game will be audiocast live on usahockey.com with Jack Swanson and Jeff Sauer calling the action. In addition, the game will be televised live by the NHL Network in the United States ... Brian Strait (Waltham, Mass./Boston University) is Team USA's captain, while Chris Summers (Milan, Mich./University of Michigan), Blake Geoffrion (Brentwood, Tenn./University of Wisconsin) and Tyler Ruegsegger are alternate captains.

GAME SUMMARY
Scoring By Period

CAN            0     2    2     4

USA            0     0    1     1

First Period - Scoring: None. Penalties: CAN, Tavares (kneeing), 3:47.

Second Period - Scoring: 1, CAN Matthias (Halischuk), 2:46; 2, CAN Alzner (Turris, Marchand), 10:00 (pp). Penalties: CAN, Simmonds (interference), 5:49; USA, Bench (too many players), 9:34; USA, Pacioretty (roughing), 11:14; CAN, Godfrey (roughing), 11:14; USA, Rust (interference), 14:12; USA, Geoffrion (high-sticking), 15:31; CAN, Gillies (hooking), 18:09.

Third Period - Scoring: 3, CAN Gillies (Sutter), 7:04; 4, CAN Marchand (Giroux), 7:24; USA vanRiemsdyk (Carman), 13:26. Penalties: USA, Cole (delay of game), :23; USA, Bench (too many players), 3:53; CAN, Schenn (hooking), 18:33; CAN, Pyett (tripping), 19:21.
 

Shots by Period                   1             2              3              Total

CAN                                        11           6              7              24

USA                                        10           13            11            34

                                                                                                  

Goaltenders (SH/SV)         1             2              3              Total

CAN, Mason, 60:00             10-10     13-13      11-10      34-33

USA, Smith, 60:00               11-11     6-4           7-5          24-20

 
Power Play: CAN 1-5; USA 0-5
Penalties: CAN 6-12, USA 6-12
Officials: Referees - Christer Larking (Sweden), Jyri Petteri Ronn (Finland); Linesmen - Konstantin Gordenko (Russia), Mikko Kekalainen (Finland)
Attendance: 5,621

 

 

Jan. 4, 4:45 pm: Canada skates by USA 4-1 and will meet Islanders prospect Robin Figren and the Swedes in the Gold Medal game tomorrow at 2 pm ET

By Vellu-Pekka Kautonen, Islanders Chief European Scout

Posted on Friday, January 4 at 4:45 pm

The United States had a disappointing meltdown early in the third period and lost 4-1 to Canada in the World Junior Championship. Canada plays in their seventh consecutive Gold Medal game and will meet Islanders prospect Robin Figren (NYI - 2006 3rd round draft pick) and the Swedes at 2 pm ET. The United States faces-off against Russia at 10 am ET for the Bronze Medal.

 

Everybody though it was over when Canada went up 4-0, but give credit to the US, which still played hard. Our prospects, Kyle Okposo and Rhett Rakhshani found their speed back after they went down. They brough the puck over neutral zone and were cycling as good as ever. But the big thing missing was that they weren't getting the pucks into good scoring spots. The final touch wasn't there. 

For Canada, Kyle Turris (PHO – 2007 first round draft pick) was the top offensive player. He also won a couple of important faces. The Colton Gillies (MIN – 2007 1st round draft pick) line with Brandon Sutter (CAR – 2007 1st round draft pick) and Stefan Legein (CBJ – 2007 2nd round draft pick) for finally rewarded for their hard work with a goal. Canada defenseman Karl Alzner (WAS - 2007 1st round pick) was solid on the blue line and scored a power play goal. He played a good physical game.

The Gold Meda game will be interesting because if Sweden hadn't already beaten Canada then people would think this would be a sure thing for Canda. I think Canada will still win.

There were 5,000 fans in the rink tonight and 3,500 were Canadian fans. It's a great strength having the crowd. It keeps you from being tired, which some players looked today.

In the Bronze Medal game, it's all about who can best be motivated. It's a tough game after you just lost the day before.

Click here for the game summary.

 

By Vellu-Pekka Kautonen, Islanders Chief European Scout

Posted on Friday, January 4 at 3:50 pm

In the second period, the US looked tired. They need to find the energy level they had in the first period. They didn't have the same speed, and that really hurts the..

Kyle Turris (PHO – 2007 first round draft pick) of Canada was the player of the period. He competed well and created good chances. He's playing his best hockey of the tournament.

By Vellu-Pekka Kautonen, Islanders Chief European Scout

Posted on Friday, January 4 at 2:55 pm


It was an excellent start for the US, which had the stronger play in the first. Islanders prospects Kyle Okposo (2006 first round draft pick) and Rhett Rakhshani (2006 4th round daft pick) started the game off with a great couple of shifts. They set the tone with their pressure and speed. Kyle passed to Rhett, who just missed the side of the net early in the period.

Looking at other players, the checking line of Canada with Colton Gillies (MIN – 2007 1st round draft pick), Brandon Sutter (CAR – 2007 1st round draft pick) and Stefan Legein (CBJ – 2007 2nd round draft pick) are doing a good job throwing their bodies around. That's why they made the team. For the US, James vanRiemsdyk (PHI- 2007 1st round draft pick) has shown some flashes of speed and why he is so dangerous. 

 

Jan. 4, 1:50 pm: Islanders prospect Robin Figren leads Sweden to first Gold Medal game appearance since 1996

By Ryan Jankowski

In posted on Friday, January 4 at 1:50 pm

Sweden came up big in the second half of the game to come from behind to defeat Russia, and advance to the finals tomorrow.  Islanders prospect Robin Figren, who was selected in the third round of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft scored the game-tying goal midway through the third period to send the game into overtime.

The first period was very carefully played seeing neither team pressing that much and Sweden looking to get their game back to where it was earlier in the tournament.

Russia took a 1-0 lead on a goal by Nikita Filatov. For a while it looked like that may have been enough for the win as it remained 1-0 until midway through the third period

On a Swedish power play, Joakim Andersson made a nice feed to Figren who patiently out-waited the Russian defender and goalie, ultimately finding the back of the net to tie the game at one.

The intensity improved through the rest of the 3rd period and into overtime. Sweden was unable to convert on an early power play and Russia had a couple dangerous rushes of their own. In the end, it was Mikael Backlund driving outside, taking the puck to the net sliding and it under Russian goalie Bobrovsky to win the game and lead Sweden to the finals.

This will be Sweden's first gold medal game since 1996 and will face the winner of the USA-Canada game which is coming up at 2 pm ET.


 

Jan. 3, 10:50 pm: Lee Serviss of the NY Times looks ahead to the two semifinal matchups and discusses the United States' chemistry

posted on Thursday, January 3 at 10:50 pm

In his latest NY Times blog, Lee Serviss discusses why the United States has been so succesful at this year's World Junior Championship. And for those who haven't seen Robin Figren's lacrosse-style goal earlier in the tournament, it's been conveniently posted on Serviss' blog.

Click here to access Lee Serviss' blog,

Listen live to the US-Canada semifinal at 2 pm ET. Russia and Sweden face-off at 10 am ET.
 

Jan. 3, 10:35 pm: A preview of the two semifinals - Russia vs. Sweden at 10 am ET followed by USA vs. Canada at 2 pm ET

By Ryan Jankowski

posted on Thursday, January 3 at 10:35 pm

The US-Canada game is going to be a dandy. It's a rematch of last year's semifinal that ended in a shootout. The US is playing with lots of confidence, whereas the Canadians could be a little fragile with their loss in the back of their minds.

But with emotions and intensity running high, you can epxect a close game. Canada is coming off a big win over Finland, which could play a part as well.

Kyle and Rhett, playing with Tyler Ruegsegger should play an important role in this game. They can match up against any of Canada's line. They play a solid two-way game, which the US will need to do against Canada. But their offensive skills can create much-needed chances.

Sweden should be the favorite against Russia. The Swedes should have a lot of confidence after defeating Canada.  Sweden has a well-balaned forward attack, where any of their three lines could be the top line on any given night.  But don't count out the Russians, who posess good skill as always. It's important for Sweden to get a lead because the Russians don't play so well from behind.

Robin has played well on his line. He should be effective against a Russian team that likes to play a more finesse game.

Robin, Kyle and Rhett have been good so far, but now it's a great opportunity for all the players to raise their game which they will have to in order for their teams to be successful.

 

Jan. 3, 5:00 pm: USA Hockey preview of the US-Canada semifinal set for Friday at 2 pm ET


U.S. National Junior Team to Face Canada Tomorrow in Semifinals
Game Can Be Seen Live on NHL Network in United States; Live Audiocast on USAHockey.com
 
  
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.  The 2008 U.S. National Junior Team will face Canada tomorrow (Jan. 4) in the semifinals of the 2008 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship. Opening faceoff is set for 2 p.m. EST at the CEZ Arena in

Kyle Okposo and the US defeated Russia 3-2

Pardubice, Czech Republic.

The game can be seen live in the United States on NHL Network, as can the first semifinal game between Russia and Sweden, which begins at 10 a.m. EST. In addition, the NHL Network in the U.S. will carry both the bronze and gold-medal games on Saturday (Jan. 5), with opening faceoff set for 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. respectively.

Team USA has advanced to the semifinals of the World Junior Championship for the sixth straight year.

A live audiocast of all Team USA games can be found at usahockey.com with Jack Swanson and Jeff Sauer calling the action.

NOTES: James vanRiemsdyk (Middletown, N.J./University of New Hampshire), the number two overall pick in the 2007 National Hockey League Entry Draft, leads the tournament with 10 points (four goals, six assists) ... Colin Wilson (Greenwich, Conn./Boston University) has six goals to lead the tournament, while Jordan Schroeder (Prior Lake, Minn./U.S. National Under-18 Team) tops the tournament in assists with seven.

 
 

By Ted Nolan

posted on Thursday, January 3 at 11:45 am

I've been keeping a close watch of the World Juniors. I was almost late to practice because I was watching a Canadian game on TV. This goes back to my days in the CHL when our guys would play. In Canada, the World Juniors is like the Stanley Cup at this age.

I haven't seen the US play at all, but I've heard Kyle and Rhett are playing well. But they're expected to beat teams like Belarus. Now they'll have to take on teams like Sweden, Russia and Canada. This is where it gets exciting. This is a good test for Kyle, who will make the jump to pros in the next week or so.

I'll be cheering for our boys, but deep down I'll be rooting for Canada.

Note: The United States and Canada face-off at 10 am on Friday in the first semifinal, while Sweden takes on Russia at 2 pm.

Jan. 2, 12:35 pm: Marcinko records a goal and an assist in Slovakia's 5-2 win over Switzerland.

The Slovakians defeated Switzerland 5-2 on Wednesday for their second win of the relegation round. Islanders 2006 draft pick Tomas Marcinko scored a goal and added an assist. Marcinko has recorded three goals and three assists in six tournament games.

Slovakia plays their final relegation match on Thursday at 4 pm against Kazakhstan.

Click here for the game summary.







 

Jan. 2, 9:40 am: OKPOSO WALLPAPER!

By Chris Botta

posted on Wednesday, January 2 at 9:40 am

In celebration of Kyle’s signing with the Islanders, we received the following gift of wallpaper from one of your fellow Islanders fans. The artist is George Parublev, an 18-year old from Massapequa who’s also one of the invaluable moderators on Islandermania. Thanks, George!

Click here to download the Kyle Okposo wallpaper.

Note: To set the image as your wallpaper, right click the image and select "set as background. To download the picture, right click the image and select "save as."

Jan. 1, 2:35 pm: Lew Serviss dicusses the US' early success at the WJC in his NY Times blog

Lee Serviss of the NY Times writes in his latest blog entry on the World Juniors about the United States' sweep of the preliminary round, citing the effectiveness of Kyle Okposo and Rhett Rakhshani's line.

Serviss also makes mention of the play of Robin Figren and the Swedes.

Click here to acess Lew Serviss' latest blog entry at NYtimes.com

 

 

U.S. National Junior Team Beats Finland, 5-3
Team USA to Play Winner of Finland-Canada Game in Semifinals on Friday

LIBEREC, Czech Republic- The U.S. National Junior Team built a 5-0 lead through two periods and finished with a 5-3 victory over Finland in the final preliminary-round game for both teams at the 2008 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship here tonight. Colin Wilson (Greenwich, Conn./Boston University) had a natural hat trick for Team USA.

The United States finished 4-0 in the preliminary round and earned a bye to Friday's (Jan. 4) semifinals, where it will face the winner of Wednesday's (Jan. 2) Canada-Finland quarterfinal contest.

"I liked the way we played early in the game," said U.S. Head Coach John Hynes. "We got sloppy at times, especially in the third period, and we have to learn from that."

Team USA scored the only two goals of the opening period. The first came at 9:29 when Wilson tapped in a puck that was loose in the crease after James vanRiemsdyk's (Middleton, N.J./University of New Hampshire) original shot from the left faceoff dot got between the legs of Finland netminder Riku Helenius. Jordan Schroeder (Prior Lake, Minn./U.S. National Under-18 Team) also was credited with an assist on the play. Wilson scored his second of the game off another rebound of a vanRiemsdyk shot. U.S. netminder Jeremy Smith (Brownstown, Mich./Plymouth) was solid in goal, making 10 saves in the period.

The United States went up 3-0 at 1:43 of the second period off a Finland turnover. Wilson picked up the puck at the bottom of the left circle and backhanded one past Helenius. The American lead went to 4-0 when Tyler Ruegsegger (Lakewood, Colo./University of Denver) wristed one from the left faceoff circle that found the far side of the net. Kyle Okposo (St. Paul, Minn.) and Jamie McBain (Faribault, Minn./University of Wisconsin) each gained assists on the goal. Then, after Wilson won the faceoff, vanRiemsdyk whistled one home from the top of the left circle at 9:14 to prompt a goaltending change for Finland. Team USA led 5-0 after 40 minutes.

Finland scored the only three goals of the third period, including a pair of power-play markers. The first came at 10:52 when Nico Aaltonen re-directed a feed from the side of the net. At 16:08 Mikko Kousa wristed one from the slot through traffic that found the back of the net. Then with :46 left in the contest, Niclas Lucenius deflected a shot in front of U.S. netminder Joe Palmer (Yorkville, N.Y./The Ohio State University), who relieved Smith to start the third period.

Smith (15 saves) and Palmer (8 saves) combined in goal to gain the win for Team USA, while Helenius and Sateri totaled 24 stops in the losing effort for Finland.

NOTES: Team USA won its first four games in the World Junior Championship for only the second time. The United States also won its first four contests in 2004, a year in which it captured its only gold medal in the event ... Colin Wilson (3-1--4) and James vanRiemsdyk (1-3--4) each had four-point games ... Team USA will play the winner of the Canada-Finland quarterfinal game on Friday (Jan. 4) in the semifinals of the 2008 IIHF World Junior Championship. If the Czech Republic is in the semifinal game, it will play at 2 p.m. ET on Jan. 4, otherwise the U.S. vs. Canada-Finland winner will play at 2 p.m. ... All Team USA games in the 2008 IIHF World Junior Championship are audiocast live on usahockey.com with Jack Swanson and Jeff Sauer calling the action. In addition, all games of the medal round will be televised live by the NHL Network in the United States ... Brian Strait (Waltham, Mass./Boston University) is Team USA's captain, while Chris Summers (Milan, Mich./University of Michigan), Blake Geoffrion (Brentwood, Tenn./University of Wisconsin) and Tyler Ruegsegger are alternate captains.

GAME SUMMARY
 

Scoring By Period

 

         
First Period - Scoring: 1, USA Wilson (vanRiemsdyk, Schroeder), 9:29; 2, USA Wilson (Blum, vanRiemsdyk), 13:20 (pp). Penalties: USA, Okposo (hooking), 1:12; FIN, Malkamaki (interference), 12:42; USA, Fairchild (delaying the game), 15:23.

Second Period - Scoring: 3, USA Wilson (vanRiemsdyk, Schroeder), 1:43; 4, USA Ruegsegger (Okposo, McBain), 4:44; 5, USA vanRiemsdyk (Wilson), 9:14. Penalties: USA, Cole (interference), 6:25; FIN, Purolinna (holding), 10:54; USA, Geoffrion (roughing), 14:40; USA, Strait (hooking), 15:43.

Third Period - Scoring: 6, FIN Aaltonen (Salminen, Lajunen), 10:52 (pp); 7, FIN Kousa (Lucenius, Juutilainen), 15:21 (pp); 8, FIN Lucenius (Poysti, Jalvanti), 19:14. Penalties: FIN, Warn (charging), 5:20; USA, Strait (tripping), 10:19; USA, Strait (hooking), 14:42; USA, Rust (high-sticking), 16:08.
 

Shots by Period		1	2	3	Total
FIN		10	5	11	26
USA		13	10	6	29
Goaltenders (SH/SV)		1	2	3	Total
FIN, Helenius, 29:14		13-11	7-4	x-x	20-15
FIN, Sateri, 30:46		x-x	3-3	6-6	9-9
USA, Smith, 40:00		10-10	5-5	x-x	15-15
USA, Palmer, 20:00		x-x	x-x	11-8	11-8

           


 








Power Play: FIN 2-8; USA 1-3
Penalties: FIN 3-6, USA 8-16
Officials: Referees - Christer Larking (Sweden), Marc Muylaert (Canada); Linesmen - Fredrik Carlman (Sweden), Jeff Jobson (Canada)
Attendance: 1,133

 

Dec. 31, 2:50 pm: US cruises to 5-3 victory over Finland, await Canada-Finland QF result; Kyle earns hard-working assist

By Ryan Jankowski

posted on Monday, December 31 at 2:50 pm


The US jumped out to a 5-0 lead, taking the game seriously and working hard despite locking up the top spost. They then put it on cruise, and the Finns played hard in third, but it was too little, too late.

In the third period, the US rolled four lines, giving Kyle and Rhett less ice time. Kyle's assist in the second period was a great effort on  the back check. After catching up to the forward at center ice, he grabbed the puck and threw it up to defenseman James McBain, who started a 2-on-1 rush the other way.

The US gets to rest for three days and will meet the winner of the Canada-Finland game in the semifinals.

Click here for the game summary.

By Ryan Jankowski

posted on Monday, December 31 at 12:45 pm

Even though the US has locked up first place in their pool, they're taking this game very seriously, continuing to work hard and maintaining their high energy. Despite not putting up any points in the first period, Kyle and Rhett have moved the puck well and have played solid games.

Dec. 31, 10:55 am: Figren helps Sweden clinch top pool spot in a 4-2 win over the Czechs

By Ryan Jankowski

posted on Monday, December 31 at 10:55 am

Sweden played a smart game to beat the Czechs today. All 20 players played as a team, out-working and out-competing the Czechs. They earned timely goals and full value for winning the pool. 

Although only tallying one goal, Robin Figren  was a big part of the two power play goals. He continued his hard work and intense style of play. He scored a nice goal to make it 4-1 with a slap shot over the goalie's glove from the slot. Sweden earns a three day rest and will face the winner of the quarter final between Russia and Czech Republic. 

Anders Kallur and I are driving up to Liberec to catch the USA-Finland game which cannot inpact the standings. USA will face the winner of the quarter final bwtweenn Canada and Finland.

Click here for the game summary of Sweden and the Czech Republic.

Dec. 30, 2:45 pm: Marcinko tallies assist in Slovakia's 4-3 win over Denmark

By Ryan Jankowski

posted on Sunday, December 30 at 2:45 pm



The game is what you would expect with Slovakia playing Denmark. Tomas made a great play on the first Slovak power play goal. He played a responsible game.

Click here for the game summary.




 






 

U.S. National Junior Team Downs Russia, 3-2
Win Guarantees Team USA Bye Into Semifinals at World Junior Championship
 
LIBEREC, Czech Republic  The U.S. National Junior Team fired 49 shots on goal in helping it to a 3-2 win over Russia in its third preliminary-round game at the 2008 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship here tonight.
"Our guys played with deep belief in themselves," said U.S. Head Coach John Hynes. "Our commitment to team play was evident and I thought as the game wore on, we showed good survival skills when we needed to. We definitely took another step forward."

Team USA forced five straight Russia penalties to start the game and eventually capitalized on a five-on-three power play at 11:31 when Tyler Ruegsegger (Lakewood, Colo./University of Denver) put home the rebound of a shot from the center point by Jordan Schroeder (Prior Lake, Minn./U.S. National Under-18 Team). Kyle Okposo (St. Paul, Minn.) also drew an assist on the play. The United States, which outshot Russia 18-7 in the period, had several other golden opportunities in the stanza, but was held at bay by Russian netminder Sergei Bobrovsky.

The only goal of the second period came at 8:36 when Alexei Cherepanov put the puck past a helpless Jeremy Smith (Brownstown, Mich./Plymouth) off the rebound of Nikita Filatov's initial shot from near the bottom of the left circle. Rhett Rakhshani (Huntington Beach, Calif./University of Denver) nearly put the United States back in the lead with under eight minutes to go in the period, but his shot from the low slot rang off the post. Two minutes later, Mike Carman (Apple Valley, Minn./University of Minnesota), who was foiled at least twice in the first period, had a good chance from point blank range but was stopped by Bobrovsky.

Team USA recorded a pair of goals in the first half of the third period to open up a two-goal lead. James vanRiemsdyk (Middletown, N.J./University of New Hampshire) recorded the first on the power play at 3:01 when he sent an innocent-looking shot toward the net that Bobrovsky got a piece of, but then had deflect off his pad and into the net. Then at 7:44 Carman grabbed a loose puck at the side of the net, came out in front, and found the back of the net. Blake Geoffrion (Brentwood, Tenn./University of Wisconsin) and Chris Summers (Milan, Mich./University of Michigan) also gained assists on the play. Russia made it interesting when Viktor Tikhonov beat Smith at 14:36, but Team USA played strong down the stretch and gained the victory.

Smith made 28 saves to pick up the win, while Bobrovskky had 46 stops in a losing effort.

Team USA will finish preliminary-round play Monday (Dec. 31) against Finland at 12 p.m. EST in Liberec. Regardless of the outcome, Team USA has earned a bye into the semifinals of the tournament and will play a yet to-be-determined opponent on Friday (Jan. 4).

NOTES: Defenseman Chris Summers was named Team USA's Player of the Game ...Team USA did not allow Russia a shot on goal through the first 14 minutes of the game ... All Team USA games in the 2008 IIHF World Junior Championship are audiocast live on usahockey.com with Jack Swanson and Jeff Sauer calling the action. In addition, all games of the medal round will be televised live by the NHL Network in the United States ... Brian Strait (Waltham, Mass./Boston University) is Team USA's captain, while Chris Summers (Milan, Mich./University of Michigan), Blake Geoffrion (Brentwood, Tenn./University of Wisconsin) and Tyler Ruegsegger (Lakewood, Colo./University of Denver) are alternate captains.

GAME SUMMARY

Scoring By Period

USA	1-	0 -	2 --	3
RUS	0 -	1 -	1 --	2

First Period - Scoring: 1, USA Ruegsegger (Schroeder, Okposo), 11:31(5x3 pp). Penalties: RUS, Dadonov (hooking), 2:50; RUS, Sayustov (hooking), 3:05; RUS, Bobrovsky (delay of game), 5:01; USA, Carman (slashing), 8:22; RUS, Filatov (roughing), 8:22; RUS, Kalimulin (hooking), 9:58; RUS, Doronin (hooking), 10:27; USA, Cole (roughing), 18:54.
Second Period - Scoring: 2, RUS Cherepanov (Filatov, Anisimov); 8:36. Penalties: USA, Pacioretty (tripping), 3:34; RUS, Kurbatov (interference), 11:25; USA, Carman (hooking), 16:52.
Third Period - Scoring: 3, USA vanRiemsdyk (Rahkshani), 3:01 (pp); 4, USA Carman (Geoffrion, Summers), 7:44; 5, RUS Tikhonov (Korolev, Sayustov), 14:36. Penalties: RUS, Filatov (hooking), 1:55; USA, Carman (tripping), 4:11; Tikhonov (holding), 8:27; USA, vanRiemsdyk (high--sticking), 8:36; RUS, Milekhin (hooking), 11:29; USA, Carman (hooking), 14:53; RUS, Tikhonov (slashing), 16:19; RUS, Filatov (roughing), 20:00.
 

Shots by Period		1	2	3	Total
USA		18	10	21	49
RUS		7	11	12	30
Goaltenders (SH/SV)		1	2	3	Total
USA, Smith, 60:00		7-7	11-10	12-11	30-28
RUS, Bobrovsky, 59:49		18-17	10-10	21-19	49-46

 
Power Play: USA 2-11; RUS 0-6
Penalties: USA 7-14; RUS 12-24

Officials: Referees - Christer Larking (Sweden), Ulf Ronnmark (Sweden); Linesmen - Petr Blumel (Czech Republic), Jeff Jobson (Canada)
Attendance: 4,654
 

 

 

Dec. 29, 5:20 pm: Kyle and Rhett contributed in all situations

By Vellu-Pekka Kautonen

posted on Saturday, December 29 at 5:20 pm
 

Both Kyle and Rhett logged a lot of minutes, and were in the game for all situations. They both played well and set the tone on their first shift.

Rhett made a great pass on James' goal in the third period. He found James streaking, who then made a nice move to score the second goal for the US.

It was also good to see Kyle on at the end of the game. Kyle worked like crazy to get the puck out into the neutral zone, which all but finished Russia's hopes to tying the score.
 

Kyle Okposo

Rhett Rakhshani

 

 
Click here for a full game summary.

Dec. 29, 5:10 pm: Swedes snap Canada's 20-game winning streak at the WJC with a 4-3 win, Figren earns an assist

By Ryan Jankowski

posted on Saturday, December 29 at 5:10 pm

This was one of the best games of my scouting year, to date. It may be in my top five, all-time. The intensity and the emotion was at its peak. We were happy that Robin could match that intensity. Despite looking tired at times, he fought through it. Overall he played a solid game.

The Swedes are in the driver's seat and control their own destiny to win the pool. But the Czech seems to be coming on strong. Should the Czechs beat Sweden on Monday, there could be a three-way tie for first and then it gets complicated.

Click here for a game summary.

 

Dec. 29, 4:25 pm: USA hangs on for 3-2 win over Russia, Kyle and Rhett each pick up an assist

By Jason Lockhart

posted on Saturday, December 29 at 4:10 pm


The United States used two third-period goals to take a 3-1 lead, ultimately holding on for a 3-2 victory over a talented Russian squad. Kyle Okposo and Rhett Rakhshani each recorded an assist, as the United States stayed undefeated (3-0) in Preliminary Round play.

The United States took a 1-0 lead on a power play tally by Tyler Ruegsegger at 11:31 of the first period. Okposo set-up defenseman Jordan Schroeder for the point shot and Rugsegger tapped in the rebound. The US dominated the Russians in the first, out-shooting them 7-0, while earning six power play chances.

In the second period, the Russians evened up the play and the score on Alexei Cherepanov's goal at 8:36.

The Americans regained control in the third period. Rakhshani assisted on James vanRiemsdyk's power play goal, just 3:01 into the final period. Mike Carman put the US up less than five minutes later before Viktor Tikhonov cut the lead to 3-2.

The United States out-shot Russia 49-30 in the game. Okposo raised his tournament totals to one goal and three assists, compiling five shots in the game. Rakhshani has talled a goal and two assists in three games.

The Americans next face Finland on Monday at 12 pm EST. The United States clinched the top spot in their pool and earned an automatic bid into the semifinals.

Click here for a full game summary.

Dec. 29, 3:35 pm: Second period analysis: A broken period

By Vellu-Pekka Kautonen, Islanders Chief European Scout

posted on Saturday, December 29 at 3:35 pm


Russia came back well in the second period. They skated better than the United States. Kyle and Rhett had only a few shifts at even-strength because this period the US was in penalty trouble. It was a very broken period.

The best American chance came when after 11 or 12 minutes when Kyle set-up defenseman Jamie McBain for a wide open net. But the puck bounced a little. I thought for sure it would go in.  set-up by Okposo wide open net. Missed the net. I thought it would go in.

Listen Live

Live Scoring

 

By Jason Lockhart

posted on Saturday, December 29 at 3:22 pm

Russia's Alexei Cherepanov tied the score at one, 8:36 into the second period. After a dominant performance by the United States in the first period, the Russians picked up their skating. The US still leads in the shots category 18-11.

By Vellu-Pekka Kautonen, Islanders Chief European Scout

posted on Saturday, December 29 at 2:50 pm


The US skated much better than the Russians in the first period. That's why they had to take so many penalties. Kyle and Rhett set the tone for the whole period on the opening shift. On the goal, Kyle set-up the d-man for a nice shot and the center on Kyle and Rhett's line, Ruegsegger scored the goal on the rebound.
 

 

By Jason Lockhart

posted on Saturday, December 29 at 2:35 pm


The United States leads Russia 1-0 after 20 minutes of play. The US has out-shot Russia 7-0 to this point.

On their sixth power play of the first period, Tyler Rugesegger pounced on a rebound to put the US up 1-0 over Russia at 11:31 of the first period. Okposo set-up the point shot by Jordan Schroeder.

Figren was once again the most skilled player on the ice. He scored an unbelievable goal. While skating behind the net, he picked the puck up on his stick, made a few moves with it on his blade and then stuffed it in the top corner. It was absolutely incredible.

Ridderwall made his first start in goal of the tournament and was very steady. The only goal he allowed was on Denmark's first shot – a breakaway. Other than that he looked very confident in goal.

Watch it HERE!

Click here for the game summary.

Dec. 28, 4:00 pm: Official USA Hockey press release of United States-Switzerland contest


U.S. National Junior Team Moves To 2-0 With Win Over Switzerland
Team USA To Tangle With Russia Tomorrow
 
LIBEREC, Czech Republic - The U.S. National Junior Team used four power-play goals on the way to a convincing 4-2 victory over Switzerland in the preliminary round of the of the 2008 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship here tonight.

"We played with good conviction and did it for 60 minutes," said U.S. Head Coach John Hynes. "We took another step forward and that's a positive sign."

The United States had control of the play for the majority of the opening period but was able to get just one puck past Swiss netminder Robert Mayer. The goal came at 5:08 on the power play when Colin Wilson (Greenwich, Conn./Boston University) found the back of the net after receiving a nice cross-ice feed from Jordan Schroeder (Prior Lake, Minn./U.S. National Under-18 Team). James vanRiemsdyk (Middletown, N.J./University of New Hampshire) also drew an assist on the play.

The teams traded second-period goals, despite Team USA outshooting Switzerland by an 18-4 count. The U.S. advanced its lead to 2-0 when Bobby Sanguinetti (Lumberton, N.J./Brampton) scored from the slot after a slick feed from below the goalline off the stick of vanRiemsdyk. Rhett Rakhshani (Huntington Beach, Calif./University of Denver) also gained an assist on the play. Just 1:20 later, however, Switzerland got back in the game when Dino Wieser's pass from the corner found Andrei Bykov alone in front and he backhanded the puck past Jeremy Smith (Brownstown, Mich./Plymouth).

The United States scored a pair of five-on-three power-play goals in the first 10 minutes of the third period to take command of the game. vanRiemsdyk beat Mayer on the short side at 2:27 with Sanguinetti and Schroeder major contributors on a three-way passing play. Then at 9:30 Wilson converted Kyle Okposo's (St. Paul, Minn.) pass from the side of the net out in front with Schroeder also in on the scoring. Amaud Jacquemet of Switzerland scored a power-play goal at 15:45 for the final goal of the contest.

Smith picked up the victory in goal with 16 saves, while Mayer made 47 stops in a losing effort.

Team USA will battle Russia tomorrow (Dec. 29) at 2 p.m. EST in Liberec.

NOTES: Colin Wilson, who scored two power-play goals and recorded seven shots on goal, was named Team USA's Player of the Game ... James vanRiemsdyk (1-2--3) and Jordan Schroeder (0-3--3) each had three points in tonight's game. vanRiemsdyk, with 2-3--5, is the leading point getter in the tournament to date ... All Team USA games in the 2008 IIHF World Junior Championship are audiocast live on usahockey.com with Jack Swanson and Jeff Sauer calling the action. In addition, all games of the medal round will be televised live by the NHL Network in the United States ... Brian Strait (Waltham, Mass./Boston University) is Team USA's captain, while Chris Summers (Milan, Mich./University of Michigan), Blake Geoffrion (Brentwood, Tenn./University of Wisconsin) and Tyler Ruegsegger (Lakewood, Colo./University of Denver) are alternate captains.

GAME SUMMARY

Scoring By Period

USA 1  1  2 -  4
SUI  0  1  1 - 2


First Period - Scoring: 1, USA Wilson (Schroeder, vanRiemsdyk), 5:08 (pp). Penalties: SUI, Wieser (hooking), 3:12; USA, Carman (hooking), 9:27; USA, Summers (tripping), 13:55; SUI, Bykov (hooking), 20:00.

Second Period - Scoring: 2, USA Sanguinetti (vanRiemsdyk, Rakhshani), 2:57 (pp); 3, SUI Bykov (Wiesner), 4:17. Penalties: SUI, Josi (tripping), 1:40; USA, Rakhshani (interference), 6:00; SUI, Froidevaux (tripping), 9:37; USA, Rust (interference), 12:22; SUI, Schlagenhauf (hooking), 15:04.

Third Period - 4, USA vanRiemsdyk (Sanguinetti, Schroeder), 2:27 (5x3 pp); 5, USA Wilson (Okposo, Schroeder), 9:30 (5x3 pp); 6, SUI Jacquemet (Weber, Froidevaux), 15:45 (pp). Penalties: SUI, Weber (cross-checking), :29; SUI, Maurer (boarding), 2:10; SUI, Josi (tripping), 3:02; SUI, Jacquemet (tripping), 7:33; SUI, Weber (boarding), 9:01; USA, Ruegsegger (interference), 9:51; SUI, Sbisa (holding), 10:40; USA, Flynn (hooking), 14:14; USA, Geoffrion (charging), 18:12.

Shots by Period  1 2 3 Total
USA   19 18 14 51
SUI   9 4 5 18
           
Goaltenders (SH/SV)   1 2 3 Total
USA, Smith, 60:00   9-9 4-3 5-4 18-16
SUI, Mayer, 58:40   19-18 18-17 14-12 51-47
  
Power Play: USA 4-11; SUI 1-6
Penalties: USA 7-14; SUI 11-22
Officials: Referees - Daniel Konc (Slovakia), Marc Muylaert (Canada); Linesmen - Jaromir Blaha (Czech Republic), Jeff Jobson (Canada)
Attendance: 1,222

 



Dec. 28, 2:40 pm: Kyle and Rhett drove the offense

Kyle and Rhett had good offensive games. The two of them drove the offense. They were both involved with the puck every time they were on the ice.

Kyle made a nice, quick pass into the slot for his his assist. He was finally rewarded for all of his offensive play.

This was a tough game to play in because the US out-played and out-chanced the Swiss all game, but could not capitalize on most of their chances. The Swiss goalie was very good and kept them in the game.

Looking ahead, the Russian game is the US' big game. This game will likely decide who wins the pool. It's a big advantage finishing first in the pool because you then get a bye into the semifinals. The US will need to be ready against a very powerful Russian team.

Dec. 28, 2:20 pm: Okposo and Rakhshani each earn an assist in 4-2 victory over Switzerland in Preliminary Round play

by Jason Lockhart

posted on Friday, December 28 at 2:20 pm

The United States used four power play goals to defeat Switzerland 4-2 in the Preliminary Round play of the 2008 World Junior Championship. The United States improved to 2-0 in the tournament.

Kyle Okposo and Rhett Rakhshani each earned and assist in the game. Rakhshani earned the secondary assist on a 5-on-4 power play goal early in the second period. Okposo picked up his primary assist off a nice feed to Colin Wison with the Americans up 5-on-3, midway in the third period.

Okposo has totaled a goal and two assists in two games, while Rakhshani has a goal and an assist in the tournament.

The United States went 4 for 11 on the power play.

Click here for a complete game summary.

The United States takes on a talented Russian squad, tomorrow at 2 pm EST. You can listen to the game live at USAhockey.com


 

by Ryan Jankowski

posted on Friday, December 28 at 1:35 pm

Our guys are getting their chances but not burying them. They might be gripping their sticks to tightly. It was good to see Rakhshani pick up an assist on the US' second power play goal. Kyle's hard work has drawn two penalties in the game.
 

by Chris Botta
posted on Friday, December 28 at 1:05 pm

Word has just come out that Kyle is now officially a member of the Islanders organization.

Garth received a contract signed by Kyle this morning via fax from his representative. We worked with Team USA official Dave Fischer to get a quote from Kyle in the Czech Republic – and, of course, give Kyle notice that the NYI were announcing his signing this afternoon. This all took place well before today’s game with Team USA so as not to interfere with Kyle’s preparation and focus.

 No word yet on whether Kyle will start his pro career with the Islanders or Sound Tigers. Yes we’ve heard the rumors and seen the reports, too, but you’ll have to take our word for it. At this time, no decision has been made and will not be made until after the WJC. Here’s the official press release:
 

KYLE OKPOSO SIGNED TO 3-YEAR CONTRACT

 

2006 First Round Pick to join Islanders organization

following the World Junior Championships

 
(December 28, 2007) Highly-touted prospect Kyle Okposo’s professional hockey career is just about ready for lift-off.

 

This morning the New York Islanders signed Okposo, their 2006 first round draft pick, to a three-year contract. Okposo will become a member of the Islanders organization following the conclusion of the World Junior Championships, where he is a member of Team USA.

“It would be an understatement to say we’re excited about coming to terms with Kyle Okposo on his first contract with the Islanders,” said general manager Garth Snow. “As a hockey player, Kyle is the complete package. He has skill and character in abundance. Our organization is going to work extremely hard with Kyle to make him the best player that he can be. With the energy, enthusiasm and heart Kyle brings to the rink every night, there’s no doubt he’s going to be a favorite of Islanders fans for a long time.”

Said Okposo this morning from the Czech Republic: “This is an incredible day for me and my family. I want to thank the Islanders for making it happen and I want our fans to know that I can’t wait to begin my Islanders career.  My focus right now needs to be on Team USA, but I’ll be more than ready when my pro career starts in a few weeks.”

The Islanders drafted Okposo with the seventh overall selection in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. In a season and a half at the University of Minnesota, the 19-year-old St. Paul native played in a total of 58 games and scored 26 goals with 25 assists for 51 points. As a true freshman in 2006-07, Okposo scored 19 goals with 21 assists for 40 points in 40 games. That season, he was named to the All-WCHA Second Team and the WCHA All-Rookie Team. Okposo also finished second on Minnesota in goals and finished tied for third in the WCHA in freshman scoring.

In addition to being a member of the United States team at this year’s World Junior Championships – where he had a goal and assist in Team USA’s 5-1 win over Kazakhstan on Wednesday - Okposo also represented his country in 2007 at the WJC.

Prior to being drafted by the Islanders, Okposo played for Des Moines of the USHL in the 2005-06 season. In 50 games, Okposo scored 27 goals with 31 assists for 58 points. He was named the USHL Rookie of the Year and the USHL Playoff MVP. Okposo was also named to the USHL First All-Star Team and the USHL All-Rookie Team.

“I’ve had the chance to observe Kyle and talk with him at our prospect development camps,” said Islanders head coach Ted Nolan. “This is a very gifted hockey player and a special individual. I was asked the other day to compare him to Jarome Iginla or other power forwards in the NHL. My response is that it’s our responsibility to develop him and see that Kyle Okposo makes a name for himself.”

 

Dec. 28, 12:40 pm Kyle Okposo, Rhett Rakhshani and the United States lead Switzerland 1-0 after 20 minutes. Listen live. Live scoring


posted on Friday, December 28 at 12:40 pm

Kyle and Rhett spent most of their ice time in the offensive zone. They cycled the puck well and had countless opportunities to score. Rhett was a bit snake-bitten, since he had three quality chances to score. Kyle has been good on the rush. He appears to be the primary player that brings the puck up the ice on the power play. The Swiss goalie was solid in the first period, making it a close game.

The Slovaks played hard today. Tomas played a prominent role for Slovakia. He played a strong two-way game doing very well on the penalty kill and especially on faceoffs. I would have liked to have seen him create more offense than he did.

Tomorrow, Kyle, Rhett and the US team should have another good result against Switzerland before playing against the stronger teams in the tournament later in the week.

I'll be checking in throughout the game tomorrow.