The U.S. National Junior Hockey Team earned a bye in the International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship after downing Russia 4-1 in the preliminary round finals in Finland. Team USA will play Finland, which defeated Russia 4-3, on Saturday in the tournament semifinals. The win is the first time the U.S. team has defeated Russia since 1995. Team USA finished 4-0-0 in preliminary play, defeating all of its opponents in Group A.
Badger defender Ryan Suter earned an assist on the first goal, scored by forward Patrick O’Sullivan (Mississauga Ice Dogs). Forward Patrick Eaves (Boston College) was also credited with the assist, as well as another assist later in the first period. He is the son of Wisconsin head coach Mike Eaves, who is also heading the U.S. National Team. Forward Zach Parise (University of North Dakota) had two goals and an assist. Forward Stephen Werner (UMass) also had a goal in the win. Goaltender Alvaro Montoya (University of Michigan) stopped 29 shots while Russian goalies Konstantin Barulin and Denis Khudyakov had 15 saves and 19 saves, respectively.
Team USA also defeated Slovakia 5-0 Dec. 28 and Sweden 4-3 Dec. 30 with the help from several Badgers. Forward Jake Dowell had assists against Slovakia and Sweden while Suter had an assist against Sweden. Wisconsin defenseman Jeff Likens is also playing for Team USA.