In past rink bandy matches over the years, the USA Bandy Legends were more than able to dominate the U-23 team by virtue of superior skill and experience. Not this year. The new wave 2015 U-23 All-Stars neutralized the Legends with their speed and endurance, defeating the Legends 12-6 in the annual U-23 All Stars vs USA Bandy Legends rink bandy match at St. Louis Park Arena on July 9th. The Legends were loaded, suiting up Daren and Evan Richardson plus several other well-known former Team USA players including Brent Palmer, Mikael Sandberg, John Kuzara, Eric Kyllonen, and Chris Halden. However, these cagey veterans could not keep up with the fast skating U-23 team over the entire match. The U-23 squad assembled three current Edina Yaks players including Parker Mismash, Cullen Munson and Sam Fuss. Wyatt Wenzel, Brett Stoplestad and Ian Middlebrook from the Washburn Dynamo; and Christian Horn, Derek Wypyszynski, Nick Omodt of the Saints rounded out the U-23 roster.

The U-23 team got on the board quick, taking a 2-0 lead after the first shift from two goals by Wyatt Wenzel. As the game wore on, it was evident the U-23’s speed were going to make it a long night for the Legends. For every goal by the Legends, the young guns would storm back with two. Despite a second half comeback, the Legends were never able to get closer than three goals. U-23 keeper Anders Jecha was solid in the nets, making many key saves against the Legends.

Leading the way for the U-23 All Stars was Parker Mismash of Edina, who scored 5 goals and was named game MVP. For the Legends, Evan Richardson was named their best player for with three goals, all on long range rocket shots.

Game Summary

Legends Goals

Ev Richardson 3

Nick Hauer 2

Eric Kyllonen 1

U-23 All Stars Goals

Parker Mismash 5

Wyatt Wenzel 4

Christian Horn 1

Derek Wypyszynski1

Nick Omodt 1

MATCH MVP – Parker Mismash, Edina Yaks –U-23