Photo by Michael Caples/MiHockey

Team USA opens U17 Four Nations with 7-2 win over Slovakia

 

By @MichaelCaples –

The host country had a strong start to the 2018 Under-17 Four Nations Cup Tuesday night. Team USA beat Slovakia 7-2, as 16 different U.S. players found the scoresheet in their tournament opener.

“I am proud of the overall effort tonight,” said U.S. National Under-17 Team head coach Seth Appert. “We received strong contributions from each position with 15 different players represented on the scoresheet and great goaltending. We certainly know we will have to continue to improve to be ready for Switzerland tomorrow.”

Jake Sanderson (Whitefish, Mont.) led the Americans with three points, while Chase Yoder (Fairview, Texas) logged two goals.

Jackson native Carter Mazur, a Team USA call-up for the tournament, recorded two assists in his first home game in Plymouth for the Red, White and Blue.

Drew Commesso, a Boston native, stopped 28 of the 30 shots sent his way to record the win between the pipes for Team USA.

The U.S. squad continues play with a game against Switzerland Wednesday night (puck drops at 7 p.m.). The Swiss fell to Russia 9-1 in the first game of the U17 tournament; Team USA and Russia are slated to conclude the preliminary round on Friday at 7 p.m.

Photos from the game: