Rough start for USA at Ivan Hlinka tourney
The USA Hockey U-18 team endured a rough start at the annual Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup tournament at Bratislava, Slovakia, Aug. 10 falling to Finland 5-1.
The Finns exploded into a 4-0 lead in the opening period and held at 12-3 edge in shots in the frame. Both teams added one in the middle period, Timmy Gettinger, from Olmstead, Ohio connecting for the American goal. Olmstead has committed to play for the Soo Greyhounds in the OHL this coming sesaon.
Ben Lown, a California native and Benjamin Gleason, a defenseman from Ortonville, MI who will also play in the OHL with the London Knights this season had the assists. There was no scoring in the final period.
The USA stayed even on the board with the Finns through the final periods despite being outshot 22-12, bu the damage was already done.
The Americans still have a shot at reaching the tournament semi-finals without this win, but the team will almost certainly have to win its other two round robin games against Russia (Aug. 11) and the host Slovakians (Aug. 12).
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jimmerdenhollander@gmail.com
Born and raised in Ontario, Canada and moved to the state of Wisconsin in my late 30's. I worked at various newspapers and magazines in various sports positions for 25 years before changing careers five years ago. Now I am streamlining my focus on hockey only and in particular, all levels of hockey in the American Midwest.