Get Back - Team USA Gets Knocked Out of Tournament

Team Finland beat Team USA in the quarterfinals of the World Championships last night, 3-2, sending the Americans back home a bit sooner than they had hoped. Tuomo Ruutu scored the first goal of the contest and has 4 so far in the tournament.

USA was down by two goals in the 3rd period, but caught up to tie the game forcing it into over-time. Finland scored the deciding tally though, putting them into the semi-finals against Russia.

The good news is that Tim Gleason returned to action and apparently is no worse for wear.

In other action, Team Canada beat Team Norway 8-2, and will meet Sweden in the other semi’s. Cam Ward picked up the win in net for the Canadians. Eric Staal did not play because he was attending his grandfather’s funeral. He is expected back for the next game.

In Hurricanes prospect news, 2007 third round draft pick, Drayson Bowman and his WHL champion Spokane Chiefs are playing for the Memorial Cup beginning on Saturday. (Tournament play starts on Friday, but Spokane doesn’t play until  4PM on Saturday.)

The Memorial Cup is awarded to the top juniors team in Canada. Other participants include the OHL Champion Kitchener Rangers, the QMJHL Champion Gatineau Olympiques, and the OHL runner-up Belleville Bulls.

Bowman has been nothing short of spectacular this season as he led his team with 42 goals and 40 assists in 66 regular season games, and now has another 11 goals and 9 assists in 21 playoff games. He’s joined by another Carolina draft pick, 4rth rounder Justin McCrae. I remember that these kids looked pretty decent at training camp last year, especially Bowman who scored a nifty goal in one of the Red-White scrimmages.

James Mirtle has more information about the tournament right here.

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