[scg_html_wjc2017]Clayton Keller (Boston University) tallied a goal and an assist Thursday night as the U.S. National Junior Team edged Russia 3-2 at Toronto’s Air Canada Centre in its third preliminary-round game of the 2017 World Junior Championship.
Tyler Parsons (OHL’s London Knights) made 25 saves in goal for the win, which guaranteed the Americans a berth in the tournament quarterfinals.
“That was an exciting game to be a part of and I’m real proud of these guys for the effort they gave,” Team USA coach Bob Motzko (St. Cloud State) said in a statement. “It was a quick turnaround from yesterday, but the guys in this locker room continue to rise to every challenge that comes their way.
“We’ve got a chance to win our group on Saturday and position ourselves nicely for the quarterfinal and I know we’ll be ready.”
Troy Terry (Denver) and Colin White (Boston College) also scored for the United States.
Team USA (3-0-0-0) can clinch first place in Group B with a victory in its final preliminary-round game against Canada on Saturday. Puck drop is slated for 3:30 p.m. EDT and the game will be televised live on the NHL Network.
