DECEMBER 16: DAY TWO

The U.S. National Junior Team returned to the ice today for its second practice here in Columbus. This evening, the players will visit a local restaurant for a team dinner.

GET TO KNOW TEAM USA: ROLE MODELS
A few players reflect on the people that influenced them most during their youth hockey days as they continue their bid for a spot on this year's U.S. National Junior Team. 

TAKE FIVE: RYAN LINDGREN, ADAM FOX
Among the 10 defensemen attending camp are 2017 gold medal-winners, Adam Fox (Jericho, N.Y./Harvard Univ.) and Ryan Lindgren (Minneapolis, Minn./Univ. of Minnesota), who hope to make their second U.S. National Junior Team. 

One Youth Hockey Organization You Played For:
Fox: Long Island Gulls (N.Y.)
Lindgren: Wisconsin Fire (Wis.)

One Youth Hockey Coach You’d Like To Thank:
Fox: Mike Bracco, Long Island Gulls
Lindgren: John LaFontaine, Shattuck St. Mary’s

Three Things You Love About Hockey
Fox: The competitiveness, skill and friendships you build
Lindgren: The toughness, how fast it is and the the culture

American NHL Player You’d Like To Meet
Fox: Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks
Lindgren: Ryan Suter, Minnesota Wild

Other Sports You Played Growing Up
Fox: Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer
Lindgren: Golf Football, Baseball

Best Advice You’ve Been Given:
Fox: Play every game like it’s your last
Lindgren: When you aren’t working, someone else is

SMALL-AREA GAMES
In his second straight year as head coach of the U.S. National Junior Team, head coach Bob Motzko (St. Cloud, Minn.) continues to utilize small-area games in each practice. 
     Small area games as a player might be one of the most important parts of the practice from youth hockey to junior hockey to college hockey," said Coach Motzko. "One, players want to be competitive, they want to do it in small areas. When you break hockey down that’s what it comes down to, playing in tight areas and being able to make a play.”

Small-Area Games: 2017 WJSS



Forward Kieffer Bellows stopped to talk hockey and take a few pictures with youth players that watched the end of today's practice.