Vanya Lodnia (photo by Michael Miller/MiHockey)

Michigan names impress in first game of Ivan Hlinka Tournament

Vanya Lodnia (photo by Michael Miller/MiHockey)
Vanya Lodnia (photo by Michael Miller/MiHockey)

 

By @MichaelCaples –

Team USA started the Ivan Hlinka Tournament with a 4-3 overtime victory over Finland today in Breclav, Czech Republic, and the Michigan representatives had a substantial impact on the game.

Michigan natives Vanya Lodnia (Novi, Erie Otters) and Sasha Chmelevski (Northville, Ottawa 67s) teamed up for a goal and an assist apiece, while NTDP Under-18 Team forward and Michigan commit Michael Pastujov (Bradenton, Fla.) posted the same totals.

Meanwhile, West Bloomfield native and MSU commit Tommy Miller (NTDP Under-18 Team) set up Ryan Poeling (Lakeville, Minn.) for the game-winning goal with 24 seconds left in overtime.

“Our team is resilient,” said Clark Donatelli (Providence, R.I.), head coach of the 2016 U.S. Under-18 Select Team. “We played really well in executing our system and our leadership group did a great job.”

Team USA continues tournament play tomorrow against Switzerland at 9:30 a.m. in the prestigious international tournament. The game will be live-streamed – fans can watch here.