The 2023 IIHF Under-18 Men's World Championship is taking place April 20-30 in Basel and Porrentruy, Switzerland. Stay tuned to this page throughout the tournament for an inside look at Team USA's journey.
April 30 | GOLDEN! Team USA 3, Sweden 2
BASEL, Switzerland – Ryan Leonard (Amherst, Mass.) scored 2:20 into overtime as the U.S. Under-18 Men’s National Team came back from a two-goal deficit to earn a 3-2 win over Sweden and capture the gold medal here today at the 2023 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship at St. Jakob Arena.
"For everyone involved, this just meant everything," said Dan Muse (Canton, Mass.), head coach of the 2023 U.S. Under-18 Men's National Team. "To come together and represent the United States of America, we couldn’t be prouder of this group."
The U.S. finished the tournament undefeated with a 6-1-0-0 (W-OTW-OTL-L) record.
For the full recap, click here.
April 29 | Team USA Defeats Slovakia in Semifinals, 7-1
BASEL, Switzerland – Will Smith (Lexington, Mass.) scored three times and Trey Augustine (South Lyon, Mich.) made 27 saves to help the U.S. Under-18 Men’s National Team to a 7-1 victory over Slovakia here today in semifinal play at the 2023 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship.
"As we keep going, the games get tougher and tougher. Our guys came ready to play," said Dan Muse (Canton, Mass.), head coach of the 2023 U.S. Under-18 Men's National Team. "It was great to get the early lead and it was another good team win. We're excited to have the opportunity to play for a gold medal tomorrow."
Team USA will play for the gold medal tomorrow (April 30) at 1 p.m. ET on NHL Network against Sweden.
For the full recap, click here.
April 28 | The Last Practice
Practices can be repetitious, mundane and not the most exciting part of the day for the team. But not today. This afternoon was the final practice session for Team USA at this World Championship, and they knew that there’s always a chance this could be the last time they throw on those USA practice sweaters with the group that many will call best friends for a lifetime.
In such a long tournament, it’s important to balance continuing to get better on the ice, while having enough rest off of it to be playing at the highest level possible come gameday. Today was the perfect medium. Everybody on, buzz around, get the heart rate up and get off. Thirty minutes was all that was needed.
Two games remain for Team USA, beginning with tomorrow afternoon’s matchup with Slovakia. They are guaranteed to play in a medal game on Sunday, but there’s only one that’s the goal.
Buckle up. The boys are dialed. The staff is prepared. It’s time to end the drought. It’s time for gold.
TEAM HOST
At each IIHF event, every participating team is provided a team host. The host helps the team with any outside tasks and generally helps make each team’s stay smoother. Need more water bottles at meals? An extra ride to the rink? Some help with the best chocolate in the grocery store? Well for this trip, Jorg Schobert had the answers. As a token of the team’s appreciation for Jorg’s help these past few weeks, captain Zach Schulz (South Lyon, Mich.) presented him with a team-signed jersey tonight to commemorate his time with Team USA.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Today was defenseman Drew Fortescue’s (Pearl River, N.Y.) 18th birthday! After Jorg was presented with his jersey, the team offered up a rousing rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ to number 24. Happy birthday, Fort!
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT - CAREY TERRANCE
What did you watch on the way over here: Draft Day. Hopefully it’s coming up for me, too.
Best game to play with the boys: Sewey before games. Lenny is the best.
What's your go-to chocolate: Caramilk with the caramel in the middle.
Who’s the best locker room DJ: Fort [Drew Fortescue]
Best hockey sweater: I like the reverse retro Canucks
Favorite vacation spot: Bahamas
April 27 | Team USA Defeats Czechia in Quarterfinals, 4-1
BASEL, Switzerland – Team USA advanced to the semifinals of the 2023 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship on Thursday with a 4-1 victory over Czechia at St. Jakob Arena. The U.S. saw four different goal scorers, with Ryan Leonard (Amherst, Mass.) notching the game-winner.
“We’re proud of our guys. Every game is going to be tough at this point,” said Dan Muse (Canton, Mass.), head coach of the 2023 U.S. Under-18 Men’s National Team. “We loved how the team stuck to our plan and continued to attack, and kept playing our game. It’s a great win and we are excited for the semifinals on Saturday.”
Team USA will next play Slovakia in the semifinals Saturday (April 29) on NHL Network with puck drop slated for 3:00 pm local (9:00 am ET).
For the full recap, click here.
April 26 | Preparing for Quarters
BASEL, Switzerland – After last night’s games were completed, Team USA learned its quarterfinal opponent would be Czechia, with puck drop set for 12:30 p.m. local / 6:30 a.m. ET tomorrow. With a lone practice before the game, Team USA was back on the ice on Wednesday, practicing and preparing for its next opponent. The skate was quick, but intense and at a high pace, with players locked in for the quarterfinal bout. The entire coaching staff has done a tremendous amount of work and preparation for all possible opponents, and knowing specifically what drills to bring into a 40-minute skate helps pay dividends.
Thursday’s game marks the fifth time the U.S. has faced the Czechs in U18 Men’s Worlds play since the tournament began in 1999. After suffering a 5-4 shootout loss in the first matchup between the teams in 2001, Team USA has taken the last four quarterfinal games over Czechia. Every remaining game of the tournament will be the biggest for the U.S. from here on it.
With the early wake-up call for the first game of the day, it’s important to get a good night of rest, a good meal in the morning and be ready to roll tomorrow.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT - BRADY CLEVELAND
What did you watch on the way over here: I didn’t watch anything. I listened to a few Joe Rogan podcasts. David Goggins was a big one (Stay HARD).
Best game to play with the boys: Probably ‘Chel. That’ts a big thing on this team. I think Hendy’s probably the best guy.
What's your go-to chocolate: Normal milk chocolate. Something foreign so it’s nice to be over here.
Who’s the best locker room DJ: Drew Fortescue, he always has the good tunes.
Best hockey sweater: Boston Bruins reverse retros
Favorite vacation spot: Mountains in Montana
April 25 | Team USA Shuts Out Switzerland, 10-0
Team USA closes out preliminary play at 4-0-0; Will play Czechia in quarterfinals Thursday on NHL Network
BASEL, Switzerland – Ryan Leonard (Amherst, Mass.) collected three goals and two assists and Cole Eiserman (Newburyport, Mass.) added a pair of scores as the U.S. Under-18 Men’s National Team defeated Switzerland, 10-0, Tuesday afternoon to sweep preliminary-round play.
We got that huge goal early and that helped set the stage for the game," said Dan Muse (Canton, Mass.), head coach of the 2023 U.S. Under-18 Men's National Team. "We’ll take advantage of the day tomorrow and we’re excited for the quarterfinals on Thursday."
With the win, Team USA finishes on top of Group B and will face Czechia in the quarterfinals on Thursday at St. Jakob Arena. Puck drop is set for 12:30 pm local (6:30 am ET), and the game will be broadcast live on NHL Network.
For the full recap, click here.
April 24 | Taking a Minute
BASEL, Switzerland - Rest. Relax. Day Off. Mental Reset. Alleviate. Lighten the Load. Take it easy. Whatever way you want to describe it, that’s what today was about.
After back-to-back late night games, the group got a little time to sleep in before getting the day started. Everybody went over to St. Jakob Arena, but it was a team recovery day, with stretching and staying loose the name of the game. The guys got a little more time on the soccer fields to loosen up…including a little goalie on goalie action in net?
Speaking of goalies, they were the ones on the ice today, getting in some quick work and staying sharp before tomorrow’s final preliminary round game against host Switzerland. With a point of any kind, Team USA can clinch the top seed from Group B and stay in Basel for their quarterfinal match on Thursday.
FAMILY IS EVERYTHING
There is a strong contingent of players’ families over here in Switzerland, showing their support for not only their specific kids but all of Team USA. It’s absolutely heard during the games and all the boys are appreciative of those who made the trek overseas. The ones who got to see their parents and siblings feel it just a little bit more.
“It means everything,” said forward Salvatore Guzzo (Old Tappan, N.J.) after coming back to the hotel from a little time with his family. “They’ve always been there for me, their unconditional love and support. It’s something I never take for granted. We got to go around town, sightsee a little bit over here. We get some good bites to eat. A little Italian never hurt anybody and it was just great to see everyone.”
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT - HAMPTON SLUKYNSKY
What did you watch on the way over here: I watched Top Gun on the flight and right now I’m watching Suits
Best game to play with the boys: Definitely Chel. I’ve heard Trey’s pretty good but I haven’t played him yet.
What's your go-to chocolate: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup or Hershey’s bar.
Who’s the best locker room DJ: Slaggs [Carter Slaggert]
Best hockey sweater: Home jersey for the Wild.
Favorite vacation spot: Outer Banks
April 23 | Team USA Defeats Finland, 8-4
The U.S. will close out preliminary round action vs. Switzerland on Tuesday, April 25 at 10 a.m. ET on NHL Network
BASEL, Switzerland – Will Smith (Lexington, Mass.) collected a goal and four assists to help the U.S. Under-18 Men’s National Team prevail in a back-and-forth battle with Finland to earn an 8-4 victory on Sunday, and win its third straight preliminary-round game at the 2023 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship.
"We loved the way the guys played, seeing the consistent responses that we had," said Dan Muse (Canton, Mass.), head coach of the 2023 U.S. Under-18 Men's National Team. "Finland is a great team, it’s not supposed to be easy. But our staff believes in our group and their response tonight was great to see.
Team USA rounds out preliminary-round action Tuesday night as it takes on host Switzerland. Puck drop is slated for 4:00 pm local (10:00 am ET) and the game will air live on NHL Network.
For the full recap, click here.
April 22 | Team USA Defeats Norway, 12-1
Perreault and Eiserman record hat tricks; U.S. back in action tomorrow
BASEL, Switzerland - Gabe Perreault (Hinsdale, Ill.) recorded three goals and two assists while Cole Eiserman (Newburyport, Mass.) added a four-goal game as the U.S. Under-18 Men’s National Team downed Norway by a 12-1 final Saturday evening at St. Jakob Arena.
"We keep saying to the players we've got to keep building, every game is going to be different," said Dan Muse (Canton, Mass.), head coach of the 2023 Under-18 Men's National Team. "It was a good game and now we turn the page to get ready for tomorrow."
The U.S. continues preliminary-round play tomorrow night as they take on Finland. Puck drop is set for 7:00 pm local (1:00 pm ET) and the game will broadcast live on NHL Network.
For the full recap, click here.
April 21 | Focusing on the Details
BASEL, Switzerland - Once the tournament officially gets started, off days become precious around these parts. After a Day 1 win, Team USA was afforded an off day early on in the tournament. They will get back-to-back contests on Saturday (vs. Norway) and Sunday (vs. Finland) evenings here in Basel.
The talk of breakfast each morning is littered with conversations about the NHL playoffs. Who won? Did you watch the highlights? Controversial penalty discussions and who did and didn’t play well. These guys live and breathe hockey so it’s difficult not being able to watch many playoff games with the time change. But the Rangers fan group seemed to have just a little more pep in their step on this day.
It was a quicker session on the ice today as the team just wanted to keep the limbs loose and hone in on details. Nothing new was inserted into the session but narrowing in on attention to detail and situational plays was a focus. Special teams are always a staple to work on and keep improving throughout the tournament.
IIHF INTEGRITY
One of the items on today’s docket that isn’t quite standard was the IIHF’s Integrity Meeting for the team. After returning to the hotel from practice and a quick lunch, an IIHF representative joined the team for a 45-minute presentation on pillars of integrity. Each competing team will go through the seminar during the week.
It was a quick, and cherished, day off from game play. These tournaments seem to fly by. But the group gets right back to work tomorrow. Catch the game against Norway live on NHL Network at 1pm ET.
April 20 | Team USA Defeats Latvia, 7-1
The U.S. is back in action on Saturday, April 22 vs Norway at 1pm ET on NHL Network
BASEL, Switzerland - Will Smith (Lexington, Mass.) scored two goals and Ryan Leonard (Amherst, Mass.) and Cole Hutson (Barrington, Ill.) added three points each as the U.S. Under-18 Men's National Team topped Latvia, 7-1, to open preliminary-round play.
“As you go into a tournament like this, you want to continue to build, and for game 1 I thought we were building as we went through the game," said head coach Dan Muse (Canton, Mass.). "Now it’s going to be important that we just keep taking steps as we’re moving forward.”
The U.S. is off tomorrow before continuing preliminary-round play Saturday evening against Norway. Puck drop is set for 7:00 pm local / 1:00 pm ET from St. Jakob Arena and the game will air live on NHL Network.
For the full recap, click here.
April 19 | On the Cusp
BASEL, Switzerland - Team USA got in one final practice this morning ahead of the 2023 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship, which begins tomorrow as the U.S. kicks off pool play against Latvia. It was a shorter, direct session with the standard assortment of drills as the team mentally focuses for competition against another nation. The game will broadcast live on NHL Network at 4:00 p.m. local / 10:00 a.m. ET.
It was also picture day for all the players and staff, including individual portraits and the team photo. ‘How is the hair looking’ and ‘Do we smile’ were some common refrains heard around the photography area. The IIHF media team took some posed video of Team USA players that will hopefully get plenty of usage throughout the tournament. The team photo was taken just ahead of the start of practice.
Equipment manager Jake Visser (Grand Rapids, Mich.) and athletic trainer Jason Hodges (New Baltimore, Mich.) are seasoned veterans at this event. Along with their many other responsibilities when the guys are on the ice, the two U.S. icons are also tasked with designing and decorating the locker room to make it feel as homey as possible for the team’s duration in Basel. New signage adorned the locker room walls, along with some slogans and American flags. Anything to make the stay feel more like home.
At last, we’re one sleep away from game action that counts. Let’s get it!
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT - DREW FORTESCUE
What did you watch on the way over here: I didn’t watch anything. I tried to sleep but couldn’t sleep either, so I was up the whole time but did nothing.
Best game to play with the boys: Soccer Tennis
What's your go-to chocolate: Peanut Butter Cup
Who’s the best locker room DJ: Guz [Salvatore Guzzo]
Best hockey sweater: Islanders retros
Favorite vacation spot: Jersey Shore
April 18 | Utilize Your Rest
BASEL, Switzerland - After returning to Basel late last night after their pre-tournament win over Czechia, the team took the opportunity today to use rest as a weapon. There was no team skate on the ice, but the group still headed over to St. Jakob Arena in the morning to get a little stretch and workout in.
Located right next to the hockey rink is a huge soccer facility with outdoor fields and tons of nets. The team got in a game of what they call World Cup, where two-man teams play to be the last one standing. Today’s winner: well, they didn’t get to finish. Maybe they’ll pick it up another day to crown a champion.
With the majority of the afternoon to themselves, players took different routes on how to best spend their free time. Some took small walks around the city with some very European destinations of Starbucks and McDonald’s being tossed around as places to go. Others got in a sauna session at the hotel spa. But the main attraction of the day was a team-wide 2-on-2 “Chel” tourney in Team USA’s meeting room. Nobody had to be hunched over any TVs to see this one as the games were projected up on the massive screen in the room….even assistant coach Chad Kolarik (Abington, Pa.) got in on the action. This tourney did get an ending as Brady Cleveland (Wausau, Wis.) and Cole Hutson (Barrington, Ill.) got to claim a ‘ship.
One more practice tomorrow morning separates Team USA from the opening game of the Under-18 Men's World Championship against Latvia on Thursday. Today was about getting in some good rest and mentally preparing for what’s to come.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT - SALVATORE GUZZO
What did you watch on the way over here: Didn’t watch anything, but I played some on-screen poker with the boys on the plane TVs.
Best game to play with the boys: President, a card game.
What's your go-to chocolate: Twix
Who’s the best locker room DJ: I gotta go myself on this one. I like my own music but some of the boys may disagree.
Best hockey sweater: I’m a little biased on this but have to say the Rangers.
Favorite vacation spot: Turks and Caicos
April 17 | Pre-Tournament Win
PORRENTRUY, Switzerland – Gabe Perreault (Hinsdale, Ill.) had two goals and two assists and Will Smith (Lexington, Mass.) and Carey Terrance (Akwesasne, N.Y.) added three points apiece as the U.S. Under-18 Men’s National Team skated past Czechia, 9-2, in their lone pre-tournament game ahead of the 2023 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship.
The opening 20 minutes ended in a goalless tie as USA netminder Trey Augustine (South Lyon, Mich.) shut the door on Czechia. Halfway through the period, he robbed Czechia’s Dominik Petr with a flashy glove stop.
After the break, Team USA opened up the game with five goals in less than eight minutes. James Hagens (Hauppauge, N.Y.) tallied first with a one-timer from the right circle on the power play. Less than a minute later, Alex Weiermair (Los Angeles, Calif.) connected on a rebound chance after the initial shot by Cole Hutson (Barrington, Ill.) to double the lead.
Hagens connected for his second of the night with 11:52 to play in the period after Zeev Buium (San Diego, Calif.) danced through the Czech defense and put the puck out in front of the crease.
Ryan Leonard (Amherst, Mass.) used a great deke as he got in behind the defense and finished with his backhand just over a minute later and Oliver Moore (Mounds View, Minn.) finished a Ryan Fine (Center Moriches, N.Y.) centering feed to make it 5-0 in favor of Team USA.
After the Czechs got on the board to open the third period, Perreault netted back-to-back goals to make it 7-1. First, he finished off a 2-on-0 break with Smith and then followed with a second-chance score off feeds from Smith and Hutson.
Czechia got their second of the night, but the U.S. responded with the final two goals of the game. Smith weaved through defenders on the power play to set up Terrance and Cole Eiserman (Newburyport, Mass.) capped the game’s scoring with a wraparound goal for the 9-2 final.
Augustine finished with a clean slate on 20 shots through 40 minutes and Carsen Musser (Sherburn, Minn.) made seven saves in the third.
The U.S. begins tournament play on Thursday as they take on Latvia at 4:00 pm local (10:00 am ET) at St. Jakob Arena in Basel and the game can be seen live on NHL Network.
April 16 | Settling In Basel
BASEL, Switzerland - It was goodbye to Zurich this morning. The team packed their bags as they departed for the rink this morning, with sights set on host Basel after the on-ice session.
Pizzas were waiting for the players as they got the top level of seating to themselves for the hour-long trip to Basel. A new city and new hotel meant some more unpacking and a restful night before their first game tomorrow evening.
For the first time all trip, Team USA gets to play guys in different sweaters tomorrow. The lone pre-tournament game for the U.S. comes at 6pm local (12:00 pm ET) at Ajoie Arena in Porrentruy.
The team worked in tight quarters as they played a lot of small-area games right in front of the crease, using quick passes and communication to try to get some past the ’tenders. A portion of practice was also dedicated to 3-on-3, letting the players’ skating and skill showcase on the larger sheet of ice.
“I think one of my biggest strengths is my skating ability so that situation plays into my game,” said Ryan Fine (Center Moriches, N.Y.), whose face lit up when 3-on-3 was the topic of discussion. "I think offensively, you have to be in that mindset to attack all the time and if a team gives you room to go, you go.
A WELL OILED MACHINE
After 60-something games during the regular season and nearly two dozen road trips, including a pair internationally, it’s a sight to see how quickly the team can pack a bus, including personal hockey gear, team equpiment and personal luggage. Within an hour after practice’s end, the guys had showered, packed and loaded up more than 80 bags into the trailer and new double-decker bus, another item which got some hoots, hollers and cheers from the team as they saw it for the first time.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT - BECKETT HENDRICKSON
What did you watch on the way over here: We’re the Millers
Best game to play with the boys: Sewey
What's your go-to chocolate: Milk chocolate
Who’s the best locker room DJ: Slaggs [Carter Slaggert]
Best hockey sweater: Minnesota Wild reverse retro
Favorite vacation spot: Island Lake up in Duluth, we go fishing and camping there
April 15 | Gearing Up
ZURICH, Switzerland - It was back to the grind today with a longer practice session. Breakouts, odd-man attacks and special teams were all on the docket for today’s skate. Assistant coaches Anthony Walsh (Burr Ridge, Ill.) and David Lassonde (Durham, N.H.) spent time working 1-on-1 with the rotating goaltenders.
“We’re really trying to hone in on our details,” said forward Carter Slaggert (South Bend, Ind.) as the team prepares for it’s lone pre-tournament game Monday against Czechia. “We have to make sure we stay dialed in and not let a day go by.”
The guys got some down time after their workout. Some went to grab snacks at the Co-Op, a big group got in an NHL 23 tournament on Xbox and others enjoyed a couple card games to pass the time.
The team will head to Basel after tomorrow’s practice as they get settled in at St. Jakob Arena, one of the host venues for the IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship. After the pre-tournament game in Porrentruy, Team USA will play all four of its preliminary-round games in Basel.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT - COLE HUTSON
What did you watch on the way over here: Smile
Best game to play with the boys: Clash of Clans
What's your go-to chocolate: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup
Who’s the best locker room DJ: Slaggs [Carter Slaggert]
Best hockey sweater: Boston Bruins reverse retro
Favorite vacation spot: Sanibel Island in Florida
April 14 | Navigating the City
ZURICH, Switzerland - The team was off the ice today and hit the gym for an extended lift in the morning.
But it was the afternoon that stole the show for the group. The team managed its way through a few bus and train stops to make its way to Downtown Zurich for a little bit of free time in the afternoon.
The city center offered incredible views of the Alps, bright waterways and definitely some new food options. Besides the more widely known chocolate and cheese, you can also find lots of schnitzel, sausage and rosti, a Swiss style hashbrown.
For it was just a quick break from the ice, but an incredible opportunity to explore and expand as a group off of it.
Tomorrow, back to the rink.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT - JAMES HAGENS
What did you watch on the way over here: The Ranch
Best game to play with the boys: Chel
What's your go-to chocolate: Kit-Kat
Who’s the best locker room DJ: Voter [Will Vote]
Best hockey sweater: The Isles reverse retros
Favorite vacation spot: North Carolina, down on the lake
April 13 | To The Top
ZURICH, Switzerland - Team USA got out of town this afternoon and took the hour bus ride to Lucerne to get to the top of Pilatus, a mountain massif overlooking the rest of the city. With an elevation of about 7,000 feet and a steep ride on the cable cars delivering you to the top, it made a few of the boys face some fears.
"It was a great time with the guys," said forward Beckett Hendrickson (Minnetonka, Minn.). "I wasn’t scared of the heights because we were with the boys, they were all there for me."
At the elevation, it’s amazing how quickly the weather can change. On the first stop to the peak, the team got out and could gaze upon the city below them, with scenic views of the houses, roads and Lake Lucerne. It was a great opportunity for a group photo. But once they were at the peak, it became blizzarding conditions with just about zero visibility
CHALLENGE COINS
While braving the cold and snow piling up on hats, heads and in sweatshirt hoods, team physician Dr. Doug Weiss (Dublin, N.H.) had a gift for the players and staff. Doc, an active duty military member, designed challenge coins that he presented to everyone atop the mountain. He spoke in detail about the designs on each side, including the USA Hockey logo, American flag, six logos of the armed forces and three words around the border that he thought best exemplified representing your country - Honor. Integrity. Respect. Team USA will carry these coins with them at all times throughout the remainder of their trip abroad.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT - DANNY NELSON
What did you watch on the way over here: A Man Called Otto
Best game to play with the boys: Sewey
What's your go-to chocolate: Kit-Kat
Who’s the best locker room DJ: Slaggs [Carter Slaggert]
Best hockey sweater: Toronto Maple Leafs
Favorite vacation spot: Costa Rica
April 12 | Still Adjusting
ZURICH, Switzerland - After the first night of sleep in the hotel, the team got right into its daily schedule for the week with an early wake-up, quick breakfast and the short walk over to KEBO Arena for practice. It was a little quieter than usual on the ice as the players are still adjusting to the time change. But the skate was sharp and efficient as they ran through drills.
“We're still getting used to it a little bit, a little tired out there", said defenseman Paul Fischer (River Forest, Ill.). "Sleep is important and I think we’re all looking forward to getting some naps in. We’re still getting adjusted but we’ll get through it.”
Those naps had to wait until after the scheduled afternoon workout. Team USA got access to a nearby gym to help them with all of their off-ice training for the week in Zurich.
SANTA LUCIA
The team and staff got a treat for dinner tonight as they walked into town to eat at Santa Lucia, famous for their 21 varieties of pizza, served crispy and fresh from the wood-fired oven. Quattro formaggi, Prosciutto e funghi and Quattro stagioni were some of the pies seen around the tables, along with some fantastic pasta and veal dishes. And what Italian night is complete without a little tiramisu to cure the sweet tooth?
After a convenience store pit stop on the walk back, the guys got the night to themselves to relax, play cards, or, more likely, hit the sack early to get back on schedule.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT - PAUL FISCHER
What did you watch on the way over here: I didn’t watch anything. Fort [fellow defenseman Drew Fortescue] was trying to watch a few movies, but we played cribbage a lot. We played 10 or 15 matches on our phones.
Best game to play with the boys: Probably sewerball; gets pretty intense. Hoping to get in a game of ultimate sewey here this week. Helps kill some time, but a lot of fun with the guys.
What's your go-to chocolate: Milk chocolate, keep it simple.
Who’s the best locker room DJ: Will Vote
Best hockey sweater: I actually just saw a sweet one. The Zurich Lions here, I just saw one of their old ones, they’re awesome.
Favorite vacation spot: Duck Lake
April 11 | On the Ground
ZURICH, Switzerland - After a lengthy day-plus of travel, Team USA is in Zurich at last to prepare for the upcoming IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship. The itinerary included an overnight flight into Germany and a four-hour bus trip across the border into Switzerland.
But Team USA quickly got settled in at the hotel, ate a good meal and walked over to KEBO Arena for their first skate of camp. It was a quick, detailed session that let the guys get the blood flowing after their travels over.
BAGGAGE CLAIM
All the Team USA players and staff are accounted for in Switzerland….hockey bags? Well, that’s another story. Five players’ gear was a little late on arrival which kept them off the ice on Day 1. That group got in an extra off-ice training session with assistant coach Brian Galivan (Chicago, Ill.) and will hopefully rejoin the team on the ice for tomorrow’s skate.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
On each Insider entry throughout the team’s stay in Switzerland, we will highlight a player with a few quick questions to learn a little more about the roster. The questions will stay the same, and since we’re in the land of the Swiss, we had to include some chocolate!
First up....well, it's more than just players too....is hockey operations manager Kevin Braeunle (Lansdale, Pa.), in his first IIHF event:
What did you watch on the way over here: The Bourne Legacy
Best game to play with the boys: War
What's your go-to chocolate: Reese's Peanut Butter Cup
Who’s the best locker room DJ: I've heard Schulzy [Zach Schulz] has got some good tunes
Best hockey sweater: Red Blackhawks
Favorite vacation spot: Hawaii
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