U.S. CLAIMS BRONZE WITH WIN OVER WEST

PORT ALBERNI, BC – For the fifth time in the last seven tournaments, the United States will take a medal home from the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.

Jacob Fallon had a hat trick and Shane Sooth added a trio of assists as the Americans claimed the bronze medal with a 4-2 victory over West on Sunday afternoon at the Alberni Valley Multiplex. It is the first ever bronze for the U.S. at the U17 tournament, joining two golds (2001, 2002) and four silvers (1994, 1998, 2006, 2008).

Stuart Higgins also scored for the United States, which took to the ice less than 15 hours after its emotion-draining overtime loss to Pacific in the semifinals. The U.S. led 4-0 after 40 minutes on its way to the bronze.

Quinton Howden had both goals for West, scoring twice in the first four minutes of the third period to give the Canadian side life. Michael St. Croix and captain Jordan De Pape picked up assists on both of Howden’s goals.

West played in the bronze medal game for the second consecutive year – after winning the third-place game last year in London, ON, it finished fourth for the first time since 2001. The Westerners remain at two medals all-time (G-1995, B-2008).