The U.S. had a commanding 3-1 lead in the game after Hutson scored with just seven minutes remaining in the second period. Vansaghi made a brilliant pass that set up Hutson’s goal, while Skahan earned the secondary assist. The game was closely contested, with excellent goaltending on both sides. George made a highlight-reel save to keep the score at 2-1 after the second period.
In the third period, Kempf made a crucial glove save on a back-door attempt by Martone during a power play, leaving it tied at three goals each with 9:35 left in regulation time. McKenna then scored twice more for Canada, taking their lead to 5-3, and leaving the U.S. struggling to keep up.
Despite their best efforts, the U.S. fell behind by two goals in the final minutes of the game when Beaudoin and Iginla scored on a major power play for Canada. Zeimer deflected a shot by Emery to pull back within one goal for the U.S., but it was too late as McKenna sealed Canada’s win with an empty-net goal in the last 20 seconds of the game.
Hutson was named Team USA’s player of the game, while Hagens received tournament’s Most Valuable Player award and Directorate Awards for his outstanding performance throughout the tournament. Despite being outshot by Canada 35-25 and scoring once on the power play,
