Sunday, January 29, 2006

IceDiggers swept by Team USA

The U.S. National Under-17 Team skated past the Alpena IceDiggers, 6-1, Saturday afternoon in NAHL action at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube.

Team USA jumped out to a two-goal lead on back-to-back goals from Ryan Schnell and Brennan Vargas late in the first period.

Alpena replied with a goal from Zach Barron with 1:52 remaining in the period to cut the USA lead to one. USA tallied once more in the first when C.J. Severyn, a 2005 Plymouth Whalers draft pick, scored a wrap-around goal to push the USA lead to two at 3-1.

The USA advantage stretched to three when James vanRiemsdyk tipped a point shot from A.J. Sturges past Alpena netminder Peter O'Hara 1:20 into the second frame.

In the third period, Colin Wilson and John Albert scored for Team USA to secure the 6-1 victory.

USA netminder Brad Phillips was strong in net stopping 32 of 33 IceDiggers attempts.

O'Hara finished with 24 saves.

The U.S. National Under-17 Team hosts the Mahoning Valley Phantoms tomorrow afternoon at 3 p.m. here at the Ice Cube while Alpena heads to Cleveland.

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