The U17 national team lost the final game of the 5 Nation Cup in Füssen. Young Talent national coach Steffen Ziesche's team lost to the USA 3:7 (1:2, 2:2, 0:3).
The German team started the game well and took the lead in the third minute thanks to Kevin Niedenz's goal. Gleb Veremyev scored the equalizer for the visitors from the USA three minutes later. The first outnumbered situation for the DEB-Selection came in the 12th minute when Leon van der Linde had to sit in the penalty box after being hit with a stick. The Americans took advantage of their advantage on the ice just 54 seconds later and made it 2-1 in the third period thanks to Kenny Connors.
Second third – second quick goal from the German team. Kevin Niedenz, who had already scored the opening goal in the opening third, scored it DEB-Selection after just 95 seconds in the second period to equalize. Afterwards, Young Talent national coach Steffen Ziesche's team even took the lead again when Nikolaus Heigl hit the American goalie in the 27th minute. On the other side, Luca Glanz saved from a USA offensive player who was ready to take a shot. More chances followed on both sides, but the Americans celebrated the next goal: Luke Mittelstadt surprised the German defense with a long pass to the blue line, where Tyler Haskins was waiting, gave the German opponent no chance and put the puck in the goal ( 33.). Two more goals followed in the middle period: Sten Fischer equalized for the German team in the 35th minute with a double advantage. However, Ryan Humphrey put the Americans back in front in the following minute.
In the final section, the guest finally made the success perfect: Luke Buss (41st), Ryan Humphrey (51st) and Gleb Veremyev (53rd) increased the score to 5:3, 6:3 and 7:3. The latter score also represented the final score.
The German U17 national team finished the 5 Nations Cup in fifth place. The tournament winner was the Czech Republic - the country's neighbor won the direct duel against the second-placed team (USA) the day before with 6:3 (2:2, 3:0, 1:1).
Steffen Ziesche, Young Talent national coach: “Our team performed very well today, especially in the first two thirds, but were not able to reward themselves often enough. The goal to make it 3:5 was ultimately the crux of the game. Overall, the tournament was a great experience for our U17 national players. They were able to prove themselves at the top level and realized that they could definitely do better against nations like the Czech Republic, Switzerland and the USA. They will now take these impressions and experiences with them into the coming season. Now she has to work hard to achieve one of her future goals – to play for the U18 national team next year.”
You can find all the statistics for the game HERE.