Monday, May 1, 2017

Live From Italy: The 2017 U.S. Men’s National Team arrived in Milan on Sunday (April 30) morning and skated last night at Agora Arena. All 23 players, minus defenseman Charlie McAvoy, who will join the team in Cologne on May 3, are here.

The U.S. also had a practice at Agora this morning in advance of its exhibition game here tomorrow night against Italy. It will be the lone tune-up for the U.S. in advance of opening the 2017 IIHF Men’s World Championship on Friday against host Germany in Cologne. Nearly 300 fans attended this morning's practice and Team USA players Jack Eichel and Dylan Larkin had fun interacting with fans at different times during the practice, which drew significant ovations. Two Italian players participated with Team USA in the practice and fans applauded wildly as they left the ice following practice. Team USA's practice ended with a traditional shootout competition, which was won by Johnny Gaudreau.

Following practice, U.S. coach Jeff Blashill announced that Connor Murphy will serve as captain of Team USA, while Brock Nelson and Dylan Larkin will serve as alternate captains.

Several players and staff attended a reception at the host hotel in the early evening, hosted by the hotel and local organizers. Among the attendees was Francesco Coco, who played for Italy in the 2002 FIFA World Cup.