Team USA wins gold at Under-17 Five Nations Tournament in the Czech Republic

By @MichaelCaples –

Some talented young hockey players are coming back from their trip to the Czech Republic with gold medals.

The U.S. Under-17 Men’s Select Team – comprised of players chosen from USA Hockey’s Boys Select 16 Player Development Camp – beat the host country 5-3 Sunday to win the 2017 Five Nations Tournament.

Team USA, led by Red Wings assistant coach Pat Ferschweiler, posted a perfect 4-0 record in the tournament, as well as a 6-2 exhibition win HC Vitkovice U18 to start things off.

“I am super proud and happy for this group.” Ferschweiler said in a press release. “The character throughout the lineup is incredible; they are a bunch of hard-working kids who really care. Congrats to all the guys, it is a great win for USA Hockey.”

The U.S. outscored their competition 32-7 in the five victories; tournament victories came against the Swiss, Slovakia, Germany and the Czechs.

There were four Michigan names on the U.S. roster:

Mitch Miller – Honeybaked 16U – Miami RedHawks commit

Arthur Kaliyev – Compuware 16U – Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL) commit

Josh Nodler – Honeybaked 16U – Michigan State Spartans commit

Dylan Wendt – Belle Tire 16U – Michigan Wolverines commit

*Canton native Joe Bonnett, a USA Hockey ADM regional manager, served an assistant coach, as well.

Nodler posted one goal and two assists in the final game, while Miller added the insurance empty-netter at the conclusion of the contest.