Vesey’s Tally Helps Team USA Earn Berth In World Junior Finals

Jimmy Vesey has played on the top line of forwards the past two games for Team USA (Photo: USA Hockey/Nancie Battaglia).

Video Highlights: USA v Czech Republic Quarterfinal

Video Highlights: USA v Canada Semifinal

UFA, Russia – Harvard men’s hockey freshman forward Jimmy Vesey scored his first goal of the tournament, helping team USA to a 5-1 victory over Canada in the semifinals of the 2013 IIHF World Junior Championship Thursday. With the win, the United States earned a berth in the tournament final and looks to capture its first gold medal in the event since 2010.

Team USA kicked off the tournament in dominating fashion, blanking Germany, 8-0, Dec. 27. It was a bit of a letdown a day later as the Red, White and Blue fell, 2-1, to Russia, and a day’s rest couldn’t snap the funk as the U.S. dropped a 2-1 decision to Canada Dec. 30. Needing a win to secure a spot in the quarterfinals, Team USA exploded for seven goals in a 7-0 rout of the Czech Republic Jan. 2. Vesey had a breakout game for the U.S., posting a trio of assists to help the Americans to the semifinals.

The North Reading, Mass., native netted the fourth goal in Team USA’s win over Canada, prompting the Canadians to change goalies. After starting the tournament dressing as the 13th forward, Vesey has played on the top line the past two games, helping the U.S. outscore opponents 12-1 in that stretch.   

Heading into the final, Vesey stands eighth on the U.S. squad in scoring with four points (one goal, three assists). The United States will face either Sweden or host Russia in the final Jan. 5. The game will be televised on the NHL Network and will be streamed live on NHL.com.

For more information on Team USA, click here.