Friday, May 12, 2017
3:00 p.m. local time

COLOGNE, Germany – It was back to the practice ice for Team USA here this afternoon in preparation for tomorrow’s match-up with Latvia.

The game, the fifth of seven preliminary round affairs, has significant importance as the U.S. and Latvia are currently tied for second place in Group A after four games.

Forward Nick Schmaltz, who was knocked out of Monday’s game by a blindside hit from Sweden’s Gabriel Landeskog in the first minute of play, was back on the ice for practice today and is expected to play tomorrow.

“It will be important we get to the net front against Latvia,” said U.S. head coach Jeff Blashill following today’s practice. “They’re very well coached and we know we’re in for a battle tomorrow.”

The U.S.-Latvia game can be seen live on NHL Network in the U.S. beginning at 6:15 a.m. ET.

HAYES, SKJEI ARRIVING TOMORROW AFTERNOON
Team USA is preparing for the arrival of defenseman Brady Skjei and forward Kevin Hayes, both from the New York Rangers. The two were announced as additions to the U.S. roster yesterday and are scheduled to arrive in Cologne mid-afternoon on Saturday. They could be in the lineup on Sunday when the U.S. faces Slovakia.

BOWMAN HERE
Stan Bowman, a member of the U.S. Men’s National Team Advisory Group, arrived in Cologne today in time for Team USA’s practice and is here for the duration of the championship.

BACK AND FORTH
Team USA’s training staff had to pack up the lockerroom at the practice rink following practice and will move back to LANXESS Arena after the 8:15 p.m. Germany-Denmark game begins this evening. The U.S. had to fully vacate the lockerroom it has occupied at LANXESS Arena since the beginning of the tournament on Thursday morning due to tournament operations.

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Inside Story with Team USA Defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk

Favorite Hockey Moment
Winning the Stanley Cup (2015, Chicago).

Favorite Youth Hockey Moment
Playing in the CanAm Tournament in Lake Placid every year. Outside of playing, always remember the rubber band guns we had going in the hotel.

Best thing about hockey
Teammates

Favorite Olympic sport outside of hockey
Beach volleyball in summer; speed skating in winter

Best Movie You’ve Seen Recently
Beauty and the Beast

Favorite Streaming Show
The Office

Go-To Music
Ed Sheeran

Game Preview: USA vs. Latvia