In a game with medal round implications, Team USA fell short of completing the task they had set out to accomplish. Japan would jump out to an early lead with a goal 6 minutes into the game. But Team USA stormed back, putting up 2 goals of their own, taking a 2-1 lead into the first intermission.

Sloppy play and penalties would be the downfall of Team USA in the second period. A couple of power play goals would give the Japanese a 3-2, and they never looked back from there. Japan would slam the door in the third, with two goals just 35 seconds apart. USA's Johnny Liang with a minute left would be the only bright spot, before Japan would put home another empty net goal, downing Team USA, 6-3.

(To make matters worse, Russia rolled Slovakia as expected - 9-3. A win in regulation over the Japanese and Team USA would have been in the semifinals.)

This means there is one last game for Team USA - tomorrow, against host China for 7th place. Overall, it has been a decent showing from the ACHA this year. They took a huge step forward in beating Slovakia, before taking a step backward in losing to the Japanese. Still, the depth in talent in the ACHA continues to grow, and Team USA will soon be a regular team fighting at the top.

And congrats to our Icers - both Jaime and DeLo played large roles in what was one of the most memorable games most of those kids have ever played in.