The under-18 U.S. team lost Sunday 3-2 to Canada in the title game of IIHF U18 World Championship in Sochi, Russia despite outshooting their neighbors to the north almost 3-1.
There were five Minnesotans on the team, although only four played.
"I'm extremely proud of our effort [Sunday] night," said Don Granato, head coach of the U.S. national U-18 team, according to a USA Hockey news release. "It was two outstanding hockey teams battling and unfortunately we came up just a bit short."
The shots were 35-12 for the U.S. The Americans had a big shot every period, 14-5, 11-4 and 10-3 and had a 2-1 lead in the second period at the Bolshoy Ice Dome.
Forward Hudson Fasching, of Burnsville, had a good tournament. Fasching, who will play for the Gophers this coming season, tied for second in points on the U.S. team. He had six, all on assists, including one against Canada. He had two more assists than any teammate. He was a plus-4 for the tournament, put 22 shots on net and played just over 16 minutes per game.
The U.S. was 4-3 in the tournament, losing its first game 4-3 to Russia, but beating the host team 4-3 in a shootout in the semifinals. The U.S. also lost to Finland 2-1 in pool play.
Defenseman Tommy Vannelli, of Minnetonka, and another future Gopher, had two goals and an assist for the U.S. team. He put 20 shots on goal and averaged almost 15 minutes of ice time per game.
Gage Ausmus, a defenseman from East Grand Forks, played the second most minutes of any skater, just under 22 per game. He had two assists and was a plus-5. He had 15 shots on net. He has committed to the Denver Pioneers.
