U.S. juniors lose to Canada, NHL prepares for Winter Classic

Lots of hockey going on as 2013 ends...and not only in the NHL.

At the world junior championships in Malmo, Sweden, Canada defeated the United States, 3-2, on Tuesday in the preliminary-round finale for both teams. Ducks prospect Nic Kerdiles of Irvine and the University of Wisconsin had an assist for Team USA, as did Kings prospect Hudson Fasching of the University of Minnesota.

It was the Americans’ only loss in the first round and left them second in Group A. That sets up a quarterfinal matchup with Russia on Thursday.

Kerdiles (@nickerdiles) tweeted:

Here’s a link to USA Hockey’s account of the game. And here’s a link from TSN.com.

Meanwhile, the NHL is preparing for Wednesday’s Winter Classic game at Ann Arbor, Mich., between the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs. The teams’ alumni had two games Tuesday at Comerica Park in Detroit.

The U.S. men’s and women’s Olympic teams for the Sochi Games will be announced during the national telecast of the Winter Classic. The women’s team will be announced during the second intermission and the men’s team after the game ends.

Here’s a link to nhl.com’s coverage of the events.

A happy and safe new year to all!

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