DAY SEVEN: Merry Christmas! Today Team USA had its first official tournament practice at Ice Rink Vlado Dzurilla. Following individual and team photos, players hopped on the ice for an hour-long skate at the rink. After lunch, players and staff had free time to visit with family and relax before returning to the hotel for a team video session. Team and staff turned in early to get a good night's sleep ahead of tomorrow's tournament opener against Finland.
AGAINST FINLAND: Team USA and Finland last met in the semifinals of the 2019 Under-18 World Championship in Obihiro, Japan. The U.S. outshot the Finnish, 36-18, and nine skaters tallied points in the 7-1 victory, including Makenna Webster (St. Louis, Mo.), who notched a goal and an assist.