Russia's upset of Finland leaves USA U18 selects out of medal round

 

USA U18 Select team fails to qualify
for semifinal round

Compiled by U18 Hockey News Staff

Early this morning from Slovakia, Russia topped Group B leader Finland 3-1 erasing American chances of advancing to the semifinals. Russia now sits 2-0-0-1 (W-OTW-L-OTL) through the group stage games and will finish atop Group B with 7 points. Russia's only defeat was in overtime to the Americans by a 5-4 score. With the loss, Finland goes to 2-0-1-0 and ends up with 6 points after winning comftorably against the Americans and Slovakians in their first two games. United States still has to play Slovakia in their final game, but the Americans record of 0-1-1-0 gives them only 2 points. Best case scenario, if United States wins today against the pointless Slovakians, they would end up with 5 points and one point behind Group B runner up Finland.

USA U18 Select team facesoff against co-host Slovakia in its final group game at 11:30 am ET. The Americans have failed to reach the semifinals after Russia upset Finland. Anything other then a regulation loss to Slovakia will advance USA to the 5th place game.