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	TEAM LINE UPS
	EVENT SUMMARY

Team USA played their first official game of the tournament versus Team Finland at 8 PM this evening and defensive play by both clubs led to overtime where USA claimed a 3-2 victory.

Late in the first period, Team USA killed off a penalty and fought back with a strong forecheck, forcing Finland to take two penalties four minutes apart. Finland held the Americans scoreless on their first power play opportunity however they capitalized on the second opportunity as Jason Faulk scored at the 18:54 mark of the first period to take a 1-0 lead to end the period.

After a slow start by both teams, Finland played solid defense against the USA offensive attack and held them to just 7 shots in the first period. American goaltender Jack Campbell stopped 9 of the Finland shots throughout the first period to kept USA in the game.

Finland’s Rasmus Rissanen scored first for Finland to tie the game early in the second period. Justin Zucker countered for Team USA, notching their second goal for a 2-0 advantage heading into the third period. 

Finland’s goalie Joni Ortio kept Finland in the game throughout the third period. With solid goaltending behind the team, Finland’s strong forecheck pressured USA and Pakarinen Iiro tied the game with 7 minutes to go in the third period. Regulation time could not decide a winner and forced the two teams into overtime.

Nathan Bjugstad scored the game-winning goal for Team USA on the first shot in overtime. Bjugstad said, "Ah it was awesome, I just put it on net. I really didn't think it went in at first, so I saw Etem throw up his hands, so it was really exciting after that."

Team USA is set to play Slovakia at 8 PM on Dec. 28, while Finland challenges Switzerland earlier that day for a puck drop at 12:30 PM. Both games will be played at the HSBC Arena.