U.S. Wins Bronze at World Championships

The United States won its second medal in three years at the IIHF World Championships with a 3-0 victory over the host Czech Republic on Sunday in the bronze medal game.

Connor Hellebucyk (UMass Lowell) made 39 saves for the U.S. against the Czechs, winning his seventh game of the tournament, while Nick Bonino (Boston University) and Charlie Coyle (Boston University) each contributed a goal and an assist to the American effort. 2015 Hobey Baker Memorial Award winner Jack Eichel (Boston University) also posted an assist, according to USAHockey.com.

 

The U.S. squad was led by head coach Todd Richards (Minnesota) and assistant coach Dan Bylsma (Bowling Green). The two U.S. World Championship medals in three years is a first since 1952, while the Americans’ eight wins in 10 games this spring is their most ever in a single World Championship event. The U.S. also won bronze in 2013 in Sweden/Finland.

Canada won gold this year by defeating Russia, 6-1, in the championship game. The Russians blanked the U.S., 4-0, in the semifinal round. The Americans' only other loss was to Belarus, 5-2, in preliminary round play, although they still finished first in Group 'B'.

The 2016 IIHF Word Championship will be played in Russia.