U.S. Under-18 Team ties Gophers

Published Oct. 26, 2012 11:05 p.m. ET

foxsports

The University of Minnesota hockey squad got a legitimate test from the U.S. Under-18 Team Friday, in a 2-2 exhibition tie.

The U.S. Under-18 Team actually led, 2-0, after a Tyler Motte goal at the 17:25 mark of the first period. Minnesota mounted a charge in the second period, however.

Tom Serratore got the Gophers on the board at the 11:58 mark of the first period, off an assist from teammate Christian Horn. Then, roughly six minutes later, Minnesota star Nick Bjugstad lit the lamp to knot things at 2-all.

Solid goaltending ensured the game would end in a tie. Minnesota's Michael Shibrowski ended the night with 27 saves, while Team U.S.A.'s Thatcher Demko recorded 39 saves.

Minnesota, ranked second in the USCHO.com national poll, hosts Canisius on Sunday at 1 p.m., in a game set to be televised on FOX Sports North.