Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2016

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Team USA’s third practice in preparation for the World Cup of Hockey 2016 included 20 minutes of special teams work at Nationwide Arena and then a shift of scenery to the adjacent Ice Haus where Coach John Tortorella and staff led a high-tempo practice.

Today was the first of two straight days of practices open to the public.

At the conclusion of the session at the Ice Haus, Tortorella gathered the team and announced the squad’s leadership group, including captain Joe Pavelski, alternate captains Patrick Kane and Ryan Suter. The seven-player leadership group also includes Zach Parise, David Backes, Ryan Kesler and Ryan McDonagh.

Following the team’s skate, a number of players did sit down interviews with ESPN’s Linda Cohn and four players (Dustin Byfuglien, Jack Johnson, Derek Stepan, Cory Schneider) also participated in Between Two Zambonis, an internet show hosted by Ryan Kesler that will be aired on ESPN as part of its World Cup of Hockey 2016 coverage.

NOTES: Team USA will take its team photo tomorrow just prior to practice. Watch USA Hockey’s Twitter feed for live coverage at 11 a.m. ET … A member of the U.S. Army spoke to the team and staff prior to Team USA’s skate this morning.

FIVE QUESTIONS WITH TEAM USA GOALTENDER JONATHAN QUICK

Summer 2016 Highlight: Spending time with my family and kids. Get to see them all day. It’s good to just slow things down and spend some time.

Golf or Boating: Can I give an option three and say float in my pool? That way you don’t have to travel anywhere. You just open up the back door.

Advice You’d Give To Young Hockey Player: Just have fun. And work hard.

Last Concert You Attended: Garth Brooks this summer at Yankee Stadium.

Last Streaming Show You Watched: Just did The Night Of. It’s a good story.