The gold medal matchup was set after Thursday's games. In the afternoon, team USA booked its trip to the gold medal game with a 4-2 victory over Russia. The first period got off to a quick start with both teams trading chances.
The gold medal matchup was set after Thursday's games.
In the afternoon, team USA booked its trip to the gold medal game with a 4-2 victory over Russia.
The first period got off to a quick start with both teams trading chances. In the final two minutes Russia fell into some penalty trouble.
With 1:55 remaining in the period, Zach Solow stared the scoring off for the United States. Just a minute and a half after team Russia took another penalty, Chris Berger banged in a rebound to give USA a 2-0 lead after the first.
"They took a lot of penalties today which is uncharacteristic and we definitely took advantage of them. Our power play is really heating up," said Berger.
As the second period played on, team USA began to take the reins. Brannon McManus found the back of the net and the United States now led 3-0 after 40 minutes.
In the final frame Jake Ryczek scored the fourth goal for team USA with a shot from the point.
Russia would mount a comeback, netting two late goals, but it wasn't enough. Team USA was off to the finals.
"We're really excited. Everybody is pumped. It's what we've been wanting to do since we came here and got together about two weeks ago," said Berger.
Team USA has played four games in four days. Captain Matt Hellickson was happy for the team to get an off day before the finals.
"We're really amped up and really excited to have an off day (Friday) because we've played four games in four days. We will take that rest day and be energized for that final game," said Hellickson.
The evening game saw the Cinderella story team Czech Republic take on Canada East.
The first two periods were played tight by both teams, but would remain scoreless.
Goaltender Stefano Cantali played excellent throughout those two periods making some key saves for Canada East.
"I played great but the boys had my back the entire time. They were clearing rebounds and blocking shots. I couldn't have done it without them," said Cantali.
It wasn't until midway through the third period when the tie game was broken. Vincent Chapleau scored for Canada. With the way the game was going it seemed that this goal would be the game winner.
That was until Kristian Reichel, who has been the backbone of the Czech team throughout the tournament, scored with just over one-minute left in the game. For the second night in a row the Czech Republic players were headed into overtime.
Just 2:20 seconds into the extra period, Lucas Thierus came streaking down the wing and rifled a shot. The shot beat Czech goaltender Petr Kvaca and went into the net. Theirus had just sent Canada East to the gold medal game.
"It's an unbelievable feeling. I don't even remember what happened," said Theirus. "I don't know how to describe this feeling."
On the goal Theirus had a little help from someone who has been looking over him throughout this tournament.
"I prayed with my grandfather," said Therius. "I prayed with him just before my shift and I just have to thank him for everything he has done. At the start of OT I prayed with him and he just gave me that strength."
Canada East and the United States will play for gold Saturday night at 5 p.m.
