(WGR 550) -- For the second time in a week, the United States coughed up a two-goal lead to the host nation Canadian squad. To quote Dennis Green, it appeared that Canada was who they thought they were, and the U.S. let them off the hook.

With their backs against the wall, the States boys abided by an old American maxim, "These colors don't run."

Four minutes and thirty-one seconds into overtime, Washington Capitals prospect John Carlson ripped a short-side shot into the Canadian twine, turning an amped up Saskatchewan crowd into a dejected one, and ending our Northern neighbors' five-year run atop the U-20 circuit.

Tied at three after 40 minutes, the States climbed to a 5-3 lead only to allow two tallies in the final few minutes to send the game into extra time. Soon-to-be-hated Maple Leafs prospect Jerry D'Amigo was every American's friend with a goal and assist on goals four and five for the States.

No critic of hockey could come away from Tuesday's final with any hate for the great game of ice hockey. The States and Canada played the game in its purest form and the audience witnessed 40 kids experience the biggest moment of their lives at once.

The best part? It isn't Sabres prospect Luke Adam giving a great, hard-nosed effort in defeat to our home nation (Adam posted a goal and an assist in the final to bring his tourney total to four goals and four assists in six games).

No, the best part is that everything the world witnessed from Saskatchewan, from the boistrous hometown crowd to the collection of amateur all-stars battling for their country, is coming to our backyard next year. If you've never been in the building for a United States game, with the red, white and blue atmosphere complete with a belted-out "Star-Spangled Banner," you're in for a treat. If you have, you know what I'm talking about.

Either way: Get ready.

Email: nick@wgr550.com