DECEMBER 29: DAY 15

TONIGHT'S GAME: USA 4, CAN 3 (SO)
In front of a record crowd of 44,592, Brady Tkachuk (St. Louis, Mo./Boston University) and Kieffer Bellows (Edina, Minn./ Portland Winterhawks) scored in the shootout and Jake Oettinger (Lakeville, Minn./Boston University) didn’t allow a shootout goal as the U.S. National Junior Team overcame a two-goal deficit to defeat Canada, 4-3, here tonight in its third preliminary round game of the 2018 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship at New Era Field.
    “What a tremendous atmosphere and a terrific bounce-back effort by our players,” said Bob Motzko, head coach of the 2018 U.S. National Junior Team. “This was just another moment in the U.S.-Canada rivalry and something our players and staff will enjoy for years to come. We’ll enjoy this win tonight but come tomorrow our focus turns to Finland.”
    Team USA (2-0-0-1/W-OTW-OTL-L) will close preliminary round play Sunday, Dec. 31, when it takes on Finland. The game is set for 4:00 p.m. ET at KeyBank Center with tickets still available here. That contest, along all U.S. games at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship, will be broadcasted on NHL Network.

RECORD ATTENDANCE FOR WORLD JUNIOR GAME
The 44,592 fans set a new attendance record in IIHF World Junior Championship history, besting the 20,380 single-game attendance record previously set in the gold medal-game of the 2009 IIHF World Junior Championship in Ottawa, Ontario.
     "What a credit to everyone involved in putting on this great event," said Bob Motzko, head coach of the 2018 U.S. National Junior Team. "From USA Hockey and the Buffalo Sabres to the Buffalo Bills and New Era Field, everything was terrific. For the sport of hockey, this was tremendous, and for our team specifically it was something we'll remember forever."
     "Easily the coolest game I've ever been in," said Brady Tkachuk, who scored a goal and added a shootout tally. "Canada's always a tough team and to beat them in this environment outdoors with the snow and all those fans it's just something I'll never forget."


Photo Credit: IIHF

USA HOCKEY HOLDING CEP CLINIC
USA Hockey is holding a Level 4 Coaching Education Program (CEP) clinic Dec. 30-31 at Erie Community College in Williamsville, New York, for individuals to obtain Level 4 coaching certification. In total, 165 coaches and 15 presents will take part in the two-day event.