U.S. Under-18 Men’s National Team Falls to Norway in Overtime, 4-3

Frisco, Texas – April 16, 2025

In a thrilling pre-tournament matchup, the U.S. Under-18 Men’s National Team lost to Norway 4-3 in overtime at the Comerica Center. The game served as a warm-up ahead of the 2025 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship.

Quick Start for Team USA

The American squad jumped out to an impressive start, scoring three times in the first ten minutes. Richard Gallant of Concord, Massachusetts, opened the scoring just 19 seconds into the game. Gallant rushed towards the crease and successfully beat the Norwegian goaltender for the first goal.

Following Gallant's lead, Asher Barnett from Wilmette, Illinois, found the net at the 16:38 mark. A skilled play from Blake Fiddler, hailing from Frisco, Texas, set up Barnett for a shot that sailed through the defense and into the goal.

Mikey Berchild of Minnetonka, Minnesota, added a third goal for Team USA with 11:18 left in the first period. Berchild converted a pass from Jacob Kvasnicka, ensuring that the U.S. had a strong lead early on. Despite the U.S. dominance, Norway scored its first goal at the 5:59 mark by capitalizing on a defensive turnover, leaving the score at 3-1 after the first period.

Tightening Play in the Second and Third Periods

The second period saw both teams pushing each other, with Team USA ramping up its intensity mid-frame. Despite several close calls, including a shot from Jack Murtagh that was saved at point-blank range, Team USA could not increase its lead.

Norway mounted a comeback in the final minutes of regulation. With just under a minute and a half left, they pulled their goalie in favor of an extra attacker. This gamble paid off as they scored with just five seconds remaining to narrow the gap to 3-2. They leveled the game at three with another goal 46 seconds later, sending the game to overtime.

Overtime Drama

The overtime period was played in a fast-paced, three-on-three format. With 2:41 left in the extra frame, Norway capitalized on a two-on-one opportunity, scoring the game-winning goal and sealing a 4-3 victory over Team USA.

Goaltending Summary

Patrick Quinlan from Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, started in net for Team USA and recorded five saves in the first period. Harrison Boettiger from Wheat Ridge, Colorado, played in the second, stopping eight shots, while Joey Slavick from Westland, Michigan, closed out the game with eight saves in the final 20 minutes and overtime.

Looking Ahead

This loss serves as a learning experience for the young U.S. squad. Head Coach Greg Moore reflected on the game, stating, “Today was a reminder that any team can win on any given day at this tournament. Norway played hard and made it difficult on us. We will get to work tomorrow in practice and address the areas in which we need to improve.”

Team USA will face Finland on April 21 at StarCenter Plano Arena in Plano, Texas, for their second and final pre-tournament matchup, with the puck dropping at 2:00 p.m. ET.

Notes

  • Both teams went 0-1 on the power play during the game.
  • Team USA outshot Norway 33-25.
  • The squad comprised 14 forwards, eight defensemen, and three goaltenders.
  • Tickets for the 2025 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship are available online.

For complete tournament updates, including the full schedule, broadcast information, stats, and standings, visit the USA Hockey website.