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GAMEDAY: U.S. Faces Russia in Opening 2016 U18 Worlds Tilt

By USAHockey.com, 04/14/16, 9:15AM EDT

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Puck drop is slated for 8:30 p.m. ET; Will stream live on FASTHockey.com

The United States and Russia are meeting for the 16th time in IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship history with the U.S. trailing in the all-time series, 4-1-0-10 (W-OTW-OTL-L). Russia is the only country to have a winning record against Team USA in the tournament, most recently claiming victory in the first preliminary-round game against the United States in 2015.

Overall, the two countries have met six times to open the tournament, with Russia taking five of six contests. However, the U.S. was victorious in the last medal-round bout against Russia in 2013, winning 4-3 in a shootout in Sochi. Despite the favorable record for Russia, the series has been close, with seven games decided by just one goal and five others by two scores. Russia holds the edge in goals scored, 52-45.

The U.S. enters the 2016 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship having captured a record 12-consecutive medals, including gold medals in six of the last seven years (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015). Team USA has won nine gold medals all-time, which is the most of any country in tournament history. The event began in 1999. Team USA earned its first gold medal in 2002 in Trnava and Piestany, Slovakia.

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Team USA Schedule

Date Opponent Result
April 14 Russia W, 8-2
April 16 Sweden W, 6-1
April 17 Latvia W, 12-1
April 19 Switzerland W, 4-0
April 21 Czech Republic
Quarterfinal
W, 8-0
April 23 Finland
Semifinal
L, 2-4
April 24 Canada
Bronze Medal Game
W, 10-3

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