BG Standout Says Trip Challenging By Don Friedman; The Plain Dealer, Thursday, January 9, 1992 Brian Holzinger is back at Bowling Green State University, ready to suit up for two weekend hockey games against Lake Superior State College. But what a holiday break he had. Holzinger, former Padua High School All-Scholastic, returned Sunday night from two weeks in Switzerland and Germany, where he played for the United States in the World Junior Hockey Championships. The U.S. team won five of seven games and finished third in the eight-team, round-robin tournament in Fussen and Kaufbeuren, Germany. Holzinger said he scored one goal and had two assists, but he also said there was confusion among the referees. He said he should have been credited with a couple more assists. "It definitely was the most challenging tournament I have ever played in, he said. "The players were outstanding, the teams were so equal and the games so close. All of our games came down to the wire. All of them were won or lost in the final 10 minutes. "A team that went by the initials CIS won the tournament. It was the Russian team and they wore Russian uniforms. They definitely were the best players "Canada had some pro players from the NHL. Most European teams had at least one (player) that played European pro hockey. Almost all of the European teams played together the year round, while our team and Canada were put together for only three weeks." Holzinger said the tournament took place at a scenic setting in the mountains, but aside from a 2 1/2-hour tour to a castle in Germany, there was practically no time for sightseeing. He was surprised to find the swimming and shower facilities shared by both sexes. The United States defeated Finland, Germany, Switzerland, Canada and Czechoslovakia and lost to the Russians and Sweden. Sweden finished second. Holzinger arrived at his Parma home Sunday night and opened his Christmas presents. He returned to Bowling Green yesterday. "It was my first foreign travel," he said. "It was a great experience. It brought out the best in everyone, coaches included. I would like a couple of more days off, but I'll take the two." -- [log in to unmask] (Eric Rickin) Go: Penguins, Red Wings, Jr. Barons, Thunderbirds, and Cavs!