Monday, May 15, 2017
5:45 p.m. local time

COLOGNE, Germany – The U.S. was on the ice at 10:15 a.m. this morning to take its official team photo.

In a unique twist this year, all players wore their white jerseys with the exception of the goaltenders who wore blue.

The entire exercise took about 15 minutes, and then players left the ice, changed and bussed back to the hotel.

Many of the players and guests went to the chocolate museum here in Cologne and then jumped on a bus for a trip to Konigswinter where they visited Drachenfels (Dragon Rock) and went up the mountain via rack railroad to see castle ruins and a beautiful view of the Rhine Valley. The group then took a boat excursion on the Rhine river from there back to Cologne.

After dinner, the players have a scheduled meeting to continue preparation for Russia tomorrow.

The winner of tomorrow’s game will finish first in Group A and get to play its quarterfinal game in Cologne on Thursday against the fourth-place finisher from Group B. The loser of tomorrow’s game will also play in the quarterfinals, but depending upon many different outcomes, could have to play its quarterfinal game in Paris (if Germany makes the quarterfinals, it is guaranteed to play in Cologne). The U.S. can finish no lower than third in its group.

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USA HOCKEY EXECUTIVES HERE

Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey, arrived here yesterday and is here for the duration of the championship. Ogrean, who during his tenure help take USA Hockey to new heights, will retire from his post as executive director on June 10. Pat Kelleher, who was recently named to take over for Ogrean, also arrived yesterday. Ron DeGregorio, chairman of the board for USA Hockey and a member of the IIHF Council arrived here today. DeGregorio is a member of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame.

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Inside Story with Team USA Athletic Trainer Stan Wong

Stan Wong is serving as an athletic trainer for a U.S. team for the 40th time at the 2017 IIHF Men’s World Championship. His service includes three Olympic Games, 11 men’s world championships, 15 world junior championships, nine Deutschland Cups, one Youth Olympic Games and one Winter World University Games.

Favorite Hockey Moment
First year pro in ’86 I’ll always remember. And this year’s World Juniors ….. those two games against Russia and Canada …. to beat them twice in the same tournament. And beating Canada in Canada is really special.

Go-To Pregame Meal
Whatever USA Hockey is serving

Best thing about hockey
The people involved

Favorite Olympic sport outside of hockey
Men’s 100-Meter Final. That’s exciting.

Best Movie You’ve Seen Recently
I love movies. Rounders is the best one I’ve seen recently.

Go-To Music
All country

Best Place I’ve Been
Bern, Switzerland