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NAHL U.S. National Team

Notre Dame sneaks by U.S. Nat'l under-18 team 2-1 in OT

February 1, 2008 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
U.S. National Team News Release


NOTRE DAME, Ind. - Netminder Joe Cannata (Wakefield, Mass.) stopped 28 of the 30 shots he faced, but the U.S. National Under-18 Team fell, 2-1, in overtime, to the University of Notre Dame Friday night at the Joyce Center.

"I thought we played a good, competitive game," said John Hynes, head coach of the U.S. National Under-18 Team. "It was tough to lose the way we did, but I was pleased with our effort and mental focus. We can build on this performance as we prepare for five games in Finland next week."

Team USA scored the first goal of the contest at the 15:00 mark of the opening period, when Vinny Saponari (Powder Springs, Ga.) notched his ninth goal of the year. Jordan Schroeder (Prior Lake, Minn.) started the play from the left point, where he sent a pin-point pass onto the stick of Ryan Bourque (Boxford, Mass.) at the bottom of the right circle. Bourque quickly rifled a pass across the slot to Saponari, who tapped the puck by Fighting Irish goaltender Brad Phillips on the stick side.

Notre Dame responded with 1:09 left in the stanza, as Garrett Regan was able to poke the puck through the legs of Cannata from right in front.

After a scoreless second period, Notre Dame replaced Phillips with Tom O'Brien between the pipes. Phillips finished with 10 saves in two periods of action.

Neither team was able to get on the board in the final period of regulation, but Team USA had multiple chances in the final minute of play, while on the power play.

Evan Rankin provided the game-winner for the Fighting Irish at 2:24 of overtime with a quick shot from the low slot that found the back of the net.

The U.S. National Under-18 Team (15-17-1-2) travels to Varkaus, Finland, for the 2008 Five Nations Tournament Feb. 6-10. Team USA opens the event next Wednesday (Feb. 6) against Sweden at 11:30 a.m. EST.

Notes: Jordan Schroeder (one assist) continues to lead the U.S. National Under-18 Team with 24 points (8-16) ... Vinny Saponari (one goal) ranks second on the squad with 23 points (9-14) ... Ryan Bourque (one assist) has recorded three points (1-2) in four games with the U.S. National Under-18 Team this season. He has amassed 27 points (15-12) in 38 games with the U.S. National Under-17 Team.

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