Arizona Rubber

Arizona’s and New Mexico’s Authoritative Voice of Hockey

Trio with Jr. Coyotes ties part of U.S. Youth Olympics champions

 

The U.S. Youth Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team earned a gold medal at the 2016 Youth Olympic Games with a 5-2 victory over Canada Feb. 21 in Lillehammer, Norway.

The U.S. finished the tournament with a 5-0-0-1 (W-OTW-OTL-L) record and the championship win marks the first-ever medal for the U.S. at the event.

“It was an outstanding win for USA Hockey and our team,” said U.S. head coach Scott Paluch. “To win the gold medal at the Youth Olympic Games is a tremendous achievement, and one that these young men will remember for a long time.”

The Jr. Coyotes were represented by current 16U AAA Elite forward Erik Middendorf (pictured) and alumni Ryan Savage and Adam Samuelsson.

Team USA outscored its opponents 26-9 at the tournament, competing against Canada, Finland, Norway and Russia.

Created by the International Olympic Committee, the Youth Olympic Games bring youth athletes from around the world together through sports and the Olympic values of excellence, respect and friendship.

In the inaugural event in 2012, the U.S. finished fourth.

Photo/Steve Demeo

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