FRISCO, Texas – Benjamin Kevan (Fairfield, Calif.) netted the game-winning goal in overtime to help the U.S. Under-18 Men’s National Team defeat Slovakia, 4-3, and secure a bronze medal here this afternoon at Comerica Center at the 2025 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship.
With today’s bronze medal, Team USA has earned 21 total medals in tournament history, the most of any competing country.
“I am incredibly proud of this team,” said Greg Moore (Lisbon, Maine), head coach of the U.S. Under-18 Men’s National Team. “From management, to coaches, to support staff and of course the players, every single member gave their all and proudly represented our country. Our players demonstrated their true potential and showcased their talents and teamwork. Winning gold at these events is tough, and even though we didn't secure the gold medal, I am filled with pride for our accomplishment of bringing home the bronze.”
The U.S. controlled the opening half of the first. Blake Fiddler (Frisco, Texas) received an Asher Barnett (Wilmette, Ill.) blue line pass, faked out a Slovakian skater and fired it past Slovakia’s starting netminder Michal Pradel at 11:53.
Starting U.S. goaltender Patrick Quinlan (Kennett Square, Pa.) came up big in the opening moments of the middle frame, making a trio of saves to keep Slovakia off the board. Will Horcoff (Birmingham, Mich.) nearly put the U.S. up a pair at 13:27 as Cullen Potter (Minneapolis, Minn.) started a 2-on-1 rush, but Pradel turned the chance aside.
HIGHLIGHTS
Slovakia evened things up at 15:38 of the second off a shot from inside the faceoff circle, followed by another tally 1:51 after to take a 2-1 lead.
Jacob Kwasnicka (Plymouth, Minn.) answered to start the third to square things up at two a side. Will Moore (Ithaca, N.Y.) intercepted a pass and found Kwasnicka atop the crease before he put it through at 1:13.
With 13 seconds to go on a power play, Cole McKinney (Lake Forest, Ill.) sent a blast through traffic to take the lead at 12:34. Slovakia responded with a tally 39 seconds later to tie the game, 3-3.
Sixty minutes wasn’t enough as the game headed into overtime.
Scoring chances were traded, as Quinlan made a crucial save with 5:27 to play in overtime to keep the U.S. alive. He finished the contest with 23 saves.
Kevan proved to be the difference maker and secured the bronze medal for the U.S. with 4:23 to go. Mikey Berchild (Minnetonka, Minn.) carried the puck into the zone and left a drop pass to Kevan who fired it past Pradel for the win.
NOTES: Benjamin Kevan was named Team USA’s Player of the Game … The U.S. was 1-2 on the power play, while Slovakia was 0-3 … The U.S. outshot Slovakia, 33-26 … Richard Gallant (Concord, Mass.), LJ Mooney (West Mifflin, Pa.) and Cullen Potter were named Team USA’s top three players … LJ Mooney and Will Moore led the team with 11 points each … Richard Gallant led the team with five goals … The U.S. last won bronze in 2019 … For complete tournament news, including game results, stats and standings, click here … Team USA news, including tournament interviews and highlights, can be found here.
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Source: usahockey.com