Team USA eliminated in quarterfinals at World Juniors

By Michael Caples –

Team USA’s title defense came to an early end at the World Juniors today, as the American squad was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Russia.

The U.S. National Junior Team lost to Russia, 5-3, in the quarters of the 2014 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship today, which means they will now return to American soil without a medal.

Team USA started the prestigious tournament with three straight wins, beating the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Germany by a combined score of 19-4. However, they lost to rival Canada in New Year’s Eve by a score of 3-2, which meant a date with Russia in the quarterfinals.

Despite goals from Stefan Matteau, Nic Kerdiles and Plymouth Whalers standout Ryan Hartman, the Americans couldn’t advance to the semifinals in the loss to Russia.

Ann Arbor native and Wolverines assistant captain Andrew Copp, along with Matt Grzelcyk and Hudson Fasching, were named Team USA’s tournament three stars. Copp recorded five assists in five games for the U.S. squad, and was +3 during the tournament.

Livonia native Riley Barber scored four goals and two assists in the tournament. Meanwhile, Hartman had two goals and two assists, and Whalers/NTDP alum Connor Carrick had three assists and a +7 rating.