Wrapping up the US U20 evaluation camp

I was unable to previously post the final results from the US U20 evaluation camp, but better late than never, right?

Sat, Aug 8 was not a good day for the US teams.

Team White was defeated 7-3 by Sweden. Ryan McDonagh had 2 of Team White's 3 goals, with a PP goal and a SH goal in the 3rd period. Jake Gardiner was moved to Team White for this game but was held off the scoresheet.

Ryan McDonagh (Arden Hills, Minn.) got Team USA on the scoreboard at 5:04 of the third period when he poked the puck in after a battle at the front of the net. Just over a minute later, McDonagh took the puck up the left side of the ice with a defender on him and slid the puck past Swedish goalie Mark Owuya for a shorthanded goal to bring the United States within three.

Team Blue was defeated by Finland 5-4 in overtime. Jake Gardiner was held off the scoresheet.


Sun, Aug 9 was much better for the US teams. Team White defeated Finland 5-2, and Team Blue defeated Sweden 5-4 in a shootout. I expect that McDonagh played once again for Team White, but I'm unsure on which team Gardiner played. Regardless, both Badgers were held off the scoresheet.


Here are complete results for the series, as well as final player statistics. The NJEC homepage also has links to video, photos, Shawn Roarke's NHL.com coverage, and Carly Peters blog.

You can also find our previous U20 evaluation camp posts here.


This is pure speculation, but based on McDonagh's play in the Aug 8 game and Roarke's comments (quoted below) regarding the Badgers, I'm guessing that McDonagh will make the U20 Select Team and that Gardiner will miss the cut.

As for McDonagh and Gardiner, the pride of Wisconsin, I’ll do my best to update you. I mentioned McDonagh earlier and raved about his penalty killing. He has been great in that area as Team White has been highly undisciplined in the first few games. He makes sound coverage decisions and has shown great closing speed. Those traits also contribute to his own-zone coverage at even strength. Coach Ron Rolston has regularly used McDonagh and Kevin Shattenkirk as his shuit-down pairing in the first two games.

Jake Gardiner has been less visible so far for Team Blue, but that is because he has been given less of an opportunity. He is playing far fewer minutes and not seeing as much specialty time. I guess I would have to say I have not noticed him much in the first two games, but that is not always a bad thing for defensemen. He has been solid, if not spectacular. I hope that gives you your Badger fix.