ROSTER TRIMMED TO 24
Today the roster for the 2017 U.S. National Junior Team has been trimmed to 24 players. The updated roster includes three returnees from the bronze medal-winning 2016 U.S. National Junior Team, including defensemen Chad Krys (Ridgefield, Conn./Boston University) and Charlie McAvoy (Long Beach, N.Y./Boston University and forward Colin White (Hanover, Mass./Boston College). In total, 10 states are represented, including Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio and Texas. For the updated roster, click here.
VIDEO SESSIONS
In place of an on-ice practice today the coaches will hold video sessions and team meetings throughout the day.
"That's one of things I like most about these pre-tournament games," said Bob Motzko, head coach of the 2017 U.S. National Junior Team. "Now we have film of ourselves against an opponent. It's one thing to have video of ourselves in a scrimmage, but now we can show guys what things look like against opponents."
LAST GAME: USA 4, SWITZERLAND 3
Jack Roslovic (Columbus, Ohio/Manitoba Moose) tallied a goal and an assist and nine other U.S. players registered a point as Team USA defeated Switzerland, 4-3, here tonight in a pre-tournament game ahead of the 2017 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship. Tyler Parsons (Chesterfield, Mich./London Knights), who started the game for Team USA, finished with 21 saves on 24 shots. For the complete game recap, click here.
EARLY LOOK: SPECIAL TEAM SUCCESS
Throughout preparations for this year's IIHF World Junior Championship, a focus the coaching staff has emphasized is the team's special teams play. In their first game together as a team, the U.S. finished 1-for-3 on the power-play and 2-for-2 on the penalty kill.
"I thought our special teams were a nice positive for us in the win," said coach Motzko. "We had good looks in those areas of the game and, given the players and skill we have, that was nice to see. Like everything else, there's room for improvement, but it's a good stepping stone for us."
MOTZKO ON NHL NOW
This afternoon, head coach Bob Motzko spoke on NHL Network's "NHL Now" to discuss the roster moves and how the preparations for Team USA have gone for this year's World Junior Championship. To hear the interview, watch the video.