United States Aims for Olympic Gold in Ice Hockey with Stellar Roster
PLYMOUTH, Michigan – The U.S. men’s ice hockey team, expected to field its best roster at this February’s Winter Olympics, doesn’t shy away from the pressure. With the return of NHL players to Olympic competition, expectations are high and the ambition is clear: to win the gold medal in Milan.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 ice hockey since the iconic “Miracle on Ice” team of 1980. However, the situation has changed radically. Hockey has experienced exponential growth in the United States, with a significant increase in participation since 1980. The new generation of superstars is ready to seize this golden opportunity.
This week, 44 players gathered for USA Hockey’s Olympic orientation camp in Plymouth, Michigan. The final roster of 25 players, with two more spots than in the 4 Nations Tournament, will be announced in early January. USA Hockey general manager Bill Guerin expressed satisfaction with the way the team came together in the 4 Nations tournament last February, but lamented the overtime loss to Canada in the final. Guerin’s staff faces difficult decisions when selecting the roster, including considering players who were not called up for the 4 Nations tournament. Guerin emphasized the importance of versatility and commitment to roles within the team. In addition, he spoke about creating a new culture and standard for USA Hockey, starting with a focus on the World Championships. The American team won gold at this event in May for the first time in 92 years. Several young members of that team were invited to the orientation camp as a reward for their dedication.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
The American team seeks revenge against a very strong Canadian team, which won the 4 Nations tournament. The tournament was a resounding success, attracting a large audience in the United States. The rivalry between both teams promises excitement and competitiveness in the upcoming Olympic Games. Canada has won nine Olympic gold medals, including the last two in which NHL players participated. The United States feels it has matched Canada’s depth and is ready to compete at the highest level.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.
Bill Guerin, general manager of USA Hockey
Quinn Hughes, Vancouver’s captain, believes a gold medal will be the culmination of efforts to grow the sport.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, its national team development program, and I feel like they’re starting to see the dividends where we have some really, really elite and the best players in the world. I feel like it’s gold or nothing, personally.
Quinn Hughes, captain of Vancouver
