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U.S. National Under-17 Team Falls to Alaska, 5-2

September 19, 2008 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
U.S. National Team News Release

BLAINE, Minn. - Austin Czarnik (Washington, Mich.) tallied his fourth goal in three days as the U.S. National Under-17 Team fell to the Alaska Avalanche, 5-2, here today at the sixth annual North American Hockey League Showcase.

"This was a great learning experience for our team," said John Hynes, head coach of Team USA. "It was the first time during this tournament that we have faced any adversity and we look forward to bouncing back tomorrow."

Czarnik opened the scoring at 8:33 of the first frame after he tipped Justin Faulk's (South St. Paul, Minn.) shot past netminder Austin McGinnis. Stephen Johns (Wampum, Pa.) doubled the U.S. lead when he fired a one-timer over the glove of McGinnis at 14:25. Both of Team USA's goals came on the power play.

Alaska came back in the second period with three unanswered goals. Rudy Pino took a pass from Zach Smith and chipped it over sprawling goaltender Jack Campbell (Port Huron, Mich.) at 14:30. Alex Young tied the score, 2-2, after he converted on a pass from across the crease. Tyler Currier gave Alaska the 3-2 lead at 18:21 when he shoved the puck under Campbell from the right post.

Currier tallied his second goal of the game at 6:41 of the third period to double the Alaska lead. Ryan Kowal scored to account for the 5-2 final.

The U.S. National Under-17 Team returns to action tomorrow against the Topeka Road Runners at 10:00 a.m. CST.

NOTES: Austin Czarnik currently leads the NAHL with four goals ... Both National Team Development Program squads are participating at the NAHL Showcase this year. It is the first time both teams have been at the event at the same time.

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