2013 U18 WJC Video: Connor Clifton, USA

by Chapin Landvogt
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Connor Clifton - USA

Photo: USA defenseman Connor Clifton is moving from one high-achieving program to another as he’ll be leaving the U.S. NTDP to play for Quinnipiac University beginning in the fall of 2013 (courtesy of Scott A. Schneider/Getty Images)

Winning four straight gold medals at any high-level competition is a difficult undertaking, but Team USA had done just that heading into the 2013 U18 World Junior Championship in Sochi, Russia. But winning “one for the thumb”, so to speak, proved to be a challenge just out of the reach of the American squad as they were defeated by Canada in the U18 gold medal game, 3-2.

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2013 U18 WJC Video: Shane Eiserman, USA

by Chapin Landvogt
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Shane Eiserman - Team USA

Photo: Team USA forward Shane Eiserman is taking part in his first U18 tournament after completing his first season as part of the U.S. NTDP (courtesy of Scott A. Schneider/Getty Images)

Early on at the 2013 U18 World Junior Championship, it looked as though Team USA might not have enough to make a run at a fifth consecutive gold medal at this tournament. But the team has come together as the U18 has progressed and, after a wild, 4-3 shootout win over host Russia in the semi-finals, the USA will in fact do battle for another gold medal.

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2013 U18 WJC Video: JT Compher, USA

by Chapin Landvogt
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JT Compher - Team housley

Photo: Team USA captain JT Compher has turned in a strong performance for his country at the 2013 U18 World Junior Championship (courtesy of Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

In what was a see-saw battle ultimately decided in a shootout, the USA defeated Russia, 4-3, to move on to their fifth consecutive gold medal game at the U18 World Junior Championship. Team USA's opponent in the championship game will be Canada, who are going for their first gold medal win in five years at this event.

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2013 U18 WJC Video: Steve Santini, USA

by Chapin Landvogt
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Steve Santini - All-American Prospects Game

Photo: USA defenseman Steve Santini has been ranked among the first round talent for the 2013 NHL Draft since taking part in the 2012 All-American Prospects Game in September (courtesy of Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Although Team USA's defense lacks some of the star power that was on hand at the U18 World Junior Championship last year in the Czech Republic, this year's group has played very well during the team's march to their semi-final meeting with Russia.

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2013 U18 WJC Video: Keaton Thompson and Thatcher Demko, USA

by Chapin Landvogt
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Keaton Thompson - USA

Photo: Team USA defenseman Keaton Thompson has seen his 2013 draft ranking remain relatively steady over the course of the 2012-13 season (courtesy of Chapin Landvogt/HF)

Both the USA and Sweden entered the playoff round at the 2013 U18 World Junior Championship having lost their final game of the preliminary round. As fate would have it, the two teams faced off against one another in the U18 quarter-finals, with Sweden hoping to end a losing streak to the USA that includes three consecutive goal medal game losses at this event.

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