NTDP Under-17 Team wins Five Nations tournament in Finland

By @MichaelCaples –

While the NTDP Under-18 Team stayed home for their Five Nations title, their Under-17 Team friends had to do a little traveling for theirs.

The U17s were in Finland this week for a Under-17 Five Nations Tournament, and they’re returning home with a trophy.

With a perfect 4-0 record, the U17s won the tournament, which featured some of the top 16-year-olds from the U.S., Russia, Sweden, Finland and the Czech Republic.

The U17s are a remarkable 14-0-0 in international competition this season.

“From day one this group has demanded excellence from themselves and their teammates,” head coach John Wroblewski said after today’s game via the NTDP.  “Going undefeated was never a goal. It’s a byproduct of daily sacrifice and attitude. It’s an honor to work with this team. They’re great kids and all of their hometowns back in the States should be proud.”

The NTDP U17s out-scored the opposition 26-10 in the four contests, beating Russia 5-4, Sweden 10-2, Finland 3-1 and then the Czech Republic 8-3 today.

Cole Caufield led Team USA in scoring during the tournament, racking up four goals and six assists for 10 total points. The Americans’ other leaders were Trevor Zegras with nine points, Matthew Boldy with eight, Alex Turcotte with eight and Ryder Rolston with four.