January 29, 2010 - Moscow, Russia - This was their last best chance to get in the win column in the 2010 A Pool play, and it seems that it just wasn't meant to be for the USA Men's Bandy Team as they fell to Kazakhstan by a final score of 9-4.

The US spotted the Kazakastani team five goals before generating any offense of their own, and when the US finally scored, the goals came from some familiar names.  Daren Richardson, Jon Keseley, and John Arundel all once again got into the scoring column.  Perennial fan favorite, and Minneapolis native, Nick "Heartthrob" Hauer had a chance at his first goal of the tournament early in the second half of play, but was thwarted on a stellar save by the Kazak goalkeeper, Alexandr Kosynchuk.  "I just missed. Didn't shoot high enough. I made the goalkeeper look awfully good though" Hauer commented after the game.


Daren Richardson remained a bright spot for the team, despite the loss, and has gained a lot of well deserved exposure during the tournament.  He ended round robin play ranked sixth in goals, and fifth in overall scoring in the A Pool with twelve points.  Goalkeeper Steve Jecha continues to carry the load in net, with the shoulder injury to Robb Stauber, and has played very well.  Stauber's tournament looks to be over after injuring his shoulder in the Sweden game, but the training staff will reevaluate Saturday, and make a game time decision when the US takes on Canada in the A Pool Play In Game.  The match with Canada will be the final match of the 2010 VM.  The winner of this game between the last place team in the A Pool, and the top team in the B Pool, will compete in the A Pool at the next World Championship.


Follow all the games at:  http://bandy2010.ru/

~ Thom Wynn