NAHL U.S. National Team

Minnesota Edges U.S. National Under-18 Team

Published on October 27, 2007 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
U.S. National Team News Release


MINNEAPOLIS - The U.S. National Under-18 Team was defeated, 3-1, by the 10th-ranked University of Minnesota hockey team in front of 9,007 fans at Mariucci Arena Saturday night. Sam Lofquist (Faribault, Minn.) scored Team USA's goal on the power play in the game's final minute.

The Golden Gophers struck first at the 9:36 mark of the first period when Jay Barriball scored off an assist from Blake Wheeler.

Despite playing shorthanded for roughly half of the second period, Team USA held the potent Minnesota offense scoreless. Goaltender Joe Cannata (Wakefield, Mass.) turned aside 10 shots while the Gophers held a man advantage, and the goaltender finished with 13 saves in the period. Five of Cannata's saves came during a 5:00 power play.

Robbie Czarnik (Washington, Mich.) nearly lit up the scoreboard in the second stanza when he skated in all alone on a breakaway. Minnesota goaltender Brent Solei allowed one rebound, but Czarnik's second shot glanced off the side of the net.

Neither team scored again until the final frame, as former U.S. National Under-18 Team player Cade Fairchild tallied what proved to be the game-winner for the Golden Gophers at 3:32. Patrick White gave the home team a 3-0 lead at the 11:41 mark of the third stanza.

Sam Lofquist got Team USA on the board with 26 seconds left in regulation after Minnesota's Tony Luica was whistled for a roughing penalty. Ryan Hegarty (Arlington, Mass) and Danny Kristo (Eden Prairie, Minn.) were credited with helpers on the goal.

Team USA netminder Joe Cannata stopped 31 of the 34 shots he faced in the game, while Brent Solei made 16 saves for the Golden Gophers.

The U.S. National Under-18 Team travels northwest up Interstate 94 on Sunday (Oct. 28) for a dual with St. Cloud State University at the National Hockey Center. Opening faceoff is set for 7:07 p.m. CT.

Check out the U.S. National Team Statistics

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North American Hockey League Stories from October 27, 2007


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