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2014 World Juniors: Nic Kerdiles, USA eliminated from tournament by Russia

Wisconsin's Nic Kerdiles finished the tournament as the Americans' leading scorer with seven points in five games.

Bruce Bennett (Getty Images Sport)

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.

GIF: Nic Kerdiles swats a pass out of mid-air and scores on a knucklepuck to give Team USA a 3-2 lead

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.

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