United States aims for Olympic gold in ice hockey
PLYMOUTH, Michigan – The United States men’s ice hockey team, expected to field its best squad when NHL players return to the Olympics this February, doesn’t shy away from the magnitude of what’s at stake. The goal is clear: to win the gold medal in Milan.The United States has not won an Olympic gold medal in men’s ice hockey since the historic 1980 team, known as the “Miracle on Ice.” However, the situation has changed radically. Hockey has experienced exponential growth in the United States, with participation tripling in the 45 years since 1980. With the return of NHL players to the Olympics for the first time in 12 years, a golden generation of superstars is preparing for a golden opportunity.The expectation is to go to Milan and win the gold medal. I think anything less than that would be disappointing.
Jack Eichel, Vegas star
During this week’s concentration in Plymouth, Michigan, attended by 44 players, the final roster of 25 players will be announced in early January. USA Hockey staff faces difficult decisions, including whether to include players who did not participate in the 4 Nations Face-Off. USA Hockey general manager Bill Guerin expressed his satisfaction with the way the team came together for the 4 Nations Face-Off last February, although he lamented the overtime loss to Canada in the final. Guerin noted that the staff will focus on players who could be in the “bubble” and that versatility and adaptation to roles will be valuable assets. In addition, Guerin spoke about establishing a new culture and a standard for USA Hockey, starting with an emphasis on the World Championships. The United States won gold in this event in May for the first time in 92 years. The team invited several young members of that team to the training camp as a reward for their commitment.Expectations 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
The American team seeks revenge against a strong Canadian team, which won the 4 Nations Face-Off with outstanding figures. The defeat in the tournament was an emotional blow for the team. Vancouver captain, Quinn Hughes, believes a gold medal will be the culmination of concerted efforts to grow the game.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 upcoming Olympics. 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
USA Hockey has put a lot of work into its youth development programs, its national team development program, and I feel like they’re starting to see the 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
