Team USA got off to a good start with a 2-1 defeat of Slovakia. Although clearly outplayed and outshot 34-14, the Slovaks held on and jumped out to a 1-0 lead midway through the second period. Team USA scored two third period goals to take a lead that they never relinquished. New York Rangers draft pick K’Andre Miller played heavy minutes as a regular on defense.
K’Andre Miller is a big kid. At 6’4″ he is the tallest player on Team USA and he seemed to tower over his opponents and teammates. He is off to a tremendous start at the University of Wisconsinwith four goals and 13 assists in 18 games.