United States Aims for Olympic Gold in Ice Hockey: “The Expectation is to Win”
PLYMOUTH, Michigan – The U.S. men’s ice hockey team, expected to field its best roster at the Milan Winter Olympics, isn’t shying away from the pressure. With the return of NHL players, the team has a clear goal: the gold medal.The expectation is to go to Milan and win the gold medal. Anything less than that would be disappointing.
Jack Eichel, Vegas star
The United States hasn’t won an Olympic gold medal in men’s hockey since the historic 1980 team, known as the “Miracle on Ice.” However, the situation has changed. Hockey has grown considerably in the United States, and with the return of NHL players after 12 years, a golden generation of superstars is seeking a golden opportunity.
This week, 44 players gathered for USA Hockey’s Olympic orientation camp in Plymouth, Michigan. The final roster of 25 players will be announced in early January, two more than in the recent 4 Nations Face-Off. USA Hockey general manager Bill Guerin expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance at the 4 Nations last February, although he regretted the overtime loss against Canada in the final.The stakes are extremely high; they have never been so high. These events give us the opportunity to say that we feel that the United States is at the top of the sport. We feel that we are as good, if not better, than any country that competes in this game. And these events give us the opportunity to prove it. Also, the expectation as an American is that we expect to win. We don’t expect to participate. There is a difference. And I think that’s what has changed.
Mike Sullivan, coach
Guerin’s staff faces difficult decisions, including whether to include prominent players who did not participate in the 4 Nations. Versatility and commitment to roles will be key assets, according to Guerin. Guerin also talked about establishing a new culture and standard for USA Hockey, starting with an emphasis on the World Championships. The United States won gold at this event in May for the first time in 92 years.That was emotional. It was tough.
Bill Guerin, general manager of USA Hockey
Americans seek revenge against a star-studded Canadian team. The 4 Nations tournament was a resounding success, with a massive audience in the United States. Interest skyrocketed after a series of fights at the beginning of the first match against Canada. Canada has won nine Olympic gold medals, including the last two with NHL players. The United States feels it has matched Canada’s depth.We are doing things differently now, and the world championships are absolutely connected to this. If you say no and don’t have a legitimate excuse, it will hurt you. I’m not afraid to say that we don’t look at that with the Olympics approaching. That’s the biggest stage. The world championships are huge. They may not be as popular in the United States, but in Europe, in Canada, they are, and it has to be important to us. We need to know what it’s about. We need to know that you want to help USA Hockey win.
Bill Guerin, general manager of USA Hockey
Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes believes a gold medal will be the culmination of efforts to grow the game.We always used to say that Canada could put two teams on the ice to compete. Well, now, we can put two teams as well. We can put three teams and compete in these events. So I think that says a lot about the growth of the sport in the United States.
Mike Sullivan, coach
USA Hockey has put a lot of work into its youth development programs and its national team development program, and I feel like they’re starting to see dividends where we have some really, really elite players and the best players in the world. I feel like it’s gold or nothing, personally.
Quinn Hughes, Vancouver captain
