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One year after winning gold at the 2013 World Junior Championships, the United States is going home without a medal. The U.S. squad surrendered a second period lead Thursday, and couldn't find any offense late in the game as they were knocked out of the tournament by Russia in a 4-3 loss.
Wisconsin sophomore Nic Kerdiles was once again a top offensive threat for the Americans, notching USA's third goal of the game, which at the time gave the U.S. squad a 3-2 lead.
Kerdiles' goal was of the highlight-reel variety, as he was able to corral a waist high pass with his stick before beating Russian netminder Andrei Vasilevski.
Kerdiles finished the tournament as USA's leading scorer, notching two goals and adding five assists in five tournament games in Sweden.
While the American's have been eliminated from the tournament, don't expect Kerdiles to make it back in time for this weekend's series when Wisconsin hosts Alaska Anchorage. While it's theoretically possible to make it happen, the smart move by the coaching staff is letting Kerdiles rest so he's full strength when Michigan rolls into Madison next week.
I want to thank @usahockey, all the staff and my teammates for this experience at the U20 #WJC2014. Didn't finish it the right way, but I...
— Nic Kerdiles (@NicKerdiles) January 2, 2014
... wouldn't change anything about this experience. USA Hocket will bounce back next year and win the gold! Thanks for all the support ...
— Nic Kerdiles (@NicKerdiles) January 2, 2014
... throughout the entire tournament. I have the best family and friends in the world.
— Nic Kerdiles (@NicKerdiles) January 2, 2014
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