Bellows, Woll stand tall as Team USA advances to World Junior semifinals after downing Russia Tuesday

Kieffer Bellows Committed to Boston University (Dan and Margaret Hickling)
Kieffer Bellows tallied a pair of goals for the United States in the World Junior quarterfinal win over Russia Tuesday night (photo: Dan and Margaret Hickling).

Kieffer Bellows scored twice and Joseph Woll (Boston College) made 27 saves to lead the U.S. National Junior Team past Russia 4-2 Tuesday night in its quarterfinal game of the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship in Buffalo at the KeyBank Center.

Bellows, who skated the 2016-17 season at Boston University, was named the U.S. player of the game.

“What a terrific effort by our guys against a quality opponent,” said Team USA coach Bob Motzko (St. Cloud State) in a statement. “We saw success in all facets of the game, from our special teams to our goaltending. We’ll enjoy this tonight and tomorrow turn our attention to Sweden.”

U.S. captain Joey Anderson (Minnesota Duluth) and Kailer Yamamoto also scored in the win.

Team USA will face Sweden in the semifinals on Thursday. The game is set for 4 p.m. EST at the KeyBank Center.