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World Under 17 Hockey Challenge
UNITED STATES VS RUSSIA
GOLD MEDAL PREVIEW
Saturday November 8, 2014
The United States beat Sweden 4-1 in the early semi-final, while Russia topped Finland 6-1 in the late game.
It’s the fifth time in six years the U.S. will play in the gold medal game, while the Russians will make their third appearance in four years. The teams met in the 2012 final in Windsor, Ont., with Russia earning a 7-5 win to capture its second U17 gold medal.
In Friday’s early semi-final, Clayton Keller added to his tournament-leading point total with three assists, and Max Jones added a goal and a helper to lead the U.S. back to the gold medal game. Kailer Yamamoto, Joey Anderson and Luke Wilson also scored for the Americans, who have won 12 straight games at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, dating back to a semi-final loss to the Russians in 2013. Keller (six goals, seven assists) and Jones (six goals, four assists) sit one-two in tournament scoring.
In the second semi-final, Russia got 30 saves from Vladislav Sukhachyov, and a goal and an assist apiece from Dmitri Alexeyev, Dmitri Sokolov and Maxim Bain to avenge their 5-4 shootout loss to the Finns in the preliminary round. Vitali Abramov, Vyacheslav Shevchenko and Nikita A. Popugayev also scored for the Russians, who have already assured themselves of a medal for the fourth consecutive under-17 tournament.
GOLD MEDAL PLAYER PREVIEW
by RYAN YESSIE
UNITED STATES
#37 F Clayton Keller
Keller is a small but highly skilled prospect who competes in all there zones.
He's one of the most creative players for USA and very dangerous
with the puck. Windsor Spitfires prospect.
#49 F Max Jones
Jones is a big power forward for USA out of the Detroit Honeybaked program. Jones is a physical player who has crushed opponents all tournament long. He also has one of the most dangerous shots in the tournament. London Knights prospect.
#35 G Joseph Woll
Woll has been rock solid for the American team. Very composed, doesn't give up many rebounds and made some big saves for his team. Oshawa Generals prospect.
Russia
#5 D Mikhail Sergachykov
Mikhail is a big mobile defender who is tough to play against in the defensive zone but skates and controls the puck well enough in the offensive zone.
A key part of Russia's transitional game.
#26 F Maxim Bain
Russia has a ton of small speedy and skilled forwards, but none as effective as Bain. He has explosive speed and can beat defenders and goaltenders with slick puck skills.
#27 F Dmitri Sokolov
Dmitri is a big power forward for Russia, he's not a great skater but
he's dangerous every time he touches the puck with a powerful shot.
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