U.S. falls to Russia in bronze-medal game at Worlds

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By @MichaelCaples –

Team USA’s journey at the World Championship in Russia came to a close with a loss to the host country Sunday.

The American squad fell to Russia by a final score of 7-2 in the bronze-medal game, a day after a 4-3 loss to Canada in the semifinals.

It marks the third time in the last four years, however, that the U.S. finished in the top four of the international tournament. The U.S. squad also fielded the youngest roster of any country, averaging just 23 years of age per player.

Waterford native Dylan Larkin finished tied for the American team lead in scoring with projected 2016 No. 1 overall draft pick Auston Matthews – both produced nine points in 10 games.

Team Russia captain Pavel Datsyuk recorded a hat trick in the victory over the U.S. – the Red Wings star finished with one goal and 10 assists in 10 games.

Matthews, Jake McCabe and Connor Murphy were named the top three American players of the tournament.

St. Clair native Tyler Motte – now a member of the Chicago Blackhawks’ organization after leaving Michigan prior to his senior season – dressed in all 10 games, recording one goal and two assists, along with 15 shots on goal.

Fellow Wolverine-turned-pro Kyle Connor (Shelby Township) recorded two assists in five games, along with five shots on goal.