U.S. Women's National Team Shuts Out Russia, 12-0, at 2011 Women's IIHF Twelve Nations Invitational
VIERUMAKI, Finland -- Hilary Knight (Sun Valley, Idaho) scored a hat trick to help lead the U.S. Women's National Team to a 12-0 win against Russia in its first game of the International Ice Hockey Federation Twelve Nations Invitational Tournament Series.
"We came out with good pace and urgency and set the tone right off the bat," said Katey Stone, head coach of the 2011 U.S. Women's National Team. "Overall, we got off to a good start with everybody getting their legs going and getting used to their surroundings. We are looking to build on tonight's effort."
Jillian Dempsey (Winthrop, Mass.) opened the scoring at 1:54 followed by a goal from Julie Chu (Fairfield, Conn.) seven minutes in. Knight scored two power-play goals to close the opening period. Both markers were assisted by Josephine Pucci (Pearl River, N.Y.) and Kelli Stack (Brooklyn Heights, Ohio).
Jen Schoullis (Erie, Pa.) scored at 8:14 of the second to give Team USA a 5-0 lead. Amanda Kessel (Verona, Wis.) then struck for her first goal of the night six minutes later.
The U.S. connected for six goals in the third period. Monique Lamoureux-Kolls (Grand Forks, N.D.) lit the lamp at 2:51. Jenny Potter (Edina, Minn.) scored at 4:35 before Brianna Decker (Dousman, Wis.) added a goal to her three assists on the night. Jocelyne Lamoureux (Grand Forks, N.D.) made the score 10-0 when she found the back of the net at 12:28. Kessel notched her second tally of the game at 17:37 before Knight closed the scoring at 18:21 with her third goal.
U.S. netminder Jessie Vetter (Cottage Grove, Wis.) made 11 saves in the shutout effort. Team USA outshot Russia, 46-11, overall.
The U.S. Women's National Team plays Japan tomorrow (Aug. 25) at 11:00 a.m. EDT in its second of six games at Vierumäki Arena.
