July 22, 2002
Team USA Downs New Zealand, 27-2, At IIHF In-Line Hockey World Championships

PFAFFENHOFEN, Germany -- The USA Hockey InLine National Team continued its strong preliminary round play at the 2002 International Ice Hockey Federation In-Line Hockey World Championships with a 27-2 decision versus New Zealand.

Team USA defenseman Ernie Hartlieb (Sterling Heights, Mich.) led the squad in scoring, posting four goals and six assists for 10 points toward the victory and earning U.S. Player of the Game honors. U.S. newcomer Pat Lee (Schaumburg, Ill.) found the back of the net eight times, a team-high mark for the game.
Goaltender Jamie Bufalino (Detroit, Mich.) turned in a strong performance for the United States, stopping all but two shots while earning the victory.
No other game information was available.

Team USA (2-0-0) will face Team Austria to conclude preliminary round play on Tuesday, July 22 at 8:00 p.m. local time (2:00 p.m. EDT).

The preliminary round of the 16-team tournament will continue through Tuesday, July 23. At the conclusion of the qualification round, which will take place from July 24-25, the teams will be re-seeded to form the A-Pool and B-Pool World Championships. Semifinal and relegation rounds for both pools are scheduled for July 26, and medal games will be played on July 27.

For more information, please contact   USA Hockey InLine Media Relations, (719) 576-8724   Cassy Maxton, ext. 172   or visit www.usahockeyinline.com