Team USA dominates Slovakia in U18 World quarterfinals

By Michael Caples –

The goals just keep coming for Team USA in Finland.

In their final three games of pool play, the American squad at the IIHF Men’s Under-18 World Championship had outscored their opponents 14-3.

In their quarterfinal matchup with Slovakia today, Team USA won 6-2.

Top prospect Jake Eichel recorded a goal and two assists, Shelby Township native Kyle Conner scored once again and Plymouth Whalers goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic stopped 10 of 12 to power Team USA to the semifinals.

Team USA didn’t allow a single shot on goal during the first period, while recording 20 at the Slovakian end of the ice. They ended up out-shooting Slovakia 43-12 in the contest.

Conner, a Michigan commit, has now scored in every single Team USA game during the tournament. He spent the 2013-14 season with the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL.

Pontiac native and Michigan State alum Danton Cole is behind the bench for the U.S., who will now face the winner of the Sweden vs. Finland quarterfinal game that takes place later today. Semifinal games are 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Saturday.