U.S. Under-17 Select Team captures Five Nations title in Slovakia

By Michael Caples – 

With a perfect record on foreign soil, the Americans have captured first place in another prestigious international tournament.

Team USA recorded wins over the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Germany and Slovakia at the 2013 Under-17 Five Nations Tournament in Slovakia, securing a first-place finish after their third game.

Four players represented Michigan on the Team USA roster – defenseman Zach Osburn (Plymouth) and forwards Austin Alger (Livonia), Brent Gates (Grand Rapids) and Samuel Miletic (Bloomfield Hills).

The U.S. squad secured their first-place finish after a 9-2 thrashing of Germany on Saturday, and wrapped up a perfect record with a 3-1 win over host-country Slovakia on Sunday.

Coach Pat Mikesch had plenty of praise for his team following their final victory.

“I am so happy for this young group of men that we brought to Slovakia,” he said in a release from USA Hockey. “Today was the first adversity that we faced. The Slovakian goalie played an incredible game, but we kept playing the game correctly and were rewarded late. This team kept improving during the entire process and have been a pleasure to coach.”

For more information on the Five Nations team, click here.