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2024 Men's Worlds Insider | Game Day vs. Poland

By USA Hockey , 05/16/24, 6:00PM EDT

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Follow along with Team USA's journey at the 2024 IIHF Men's World Championship

The 2024 IIHF Men's World Championship will be played May 10-26, in Ostrava, Czechia & Prague, Czechia. Scroll for an inside look at Team USA's journey, from the start of camp in Bratislava, Slovakia, all the way through the team's final moments at this year's world championship!

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Friday, May 17, 2024 | Game Day vs. Poland

Brady Tkachuk and Cole Caufield Lead U.S. Offense in 4-1 Win Over Poland 

Brady Tkachuk (St. Louis, Mo./Ottawa Senators) had a goal and three assists, while Cole Caufield (Stevens Point, Wis./Montreal Canadiens) scored twice to lead the U.S. Men’s National Team to a 4-1 victory over Poland here tonight before a raucous crowd at the 2024 IIHF Men’s World Championship. For full recap click HERE.

Last Minute of Play With Cole Caufield

Throughout the IIHF Men’s World Championship, you’ll have a chance to hear directly from the players of Team USA through a feature we’re calling “Last Minute of Play.” Today, we hear from forward Cole Caufield from the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens, who played collegiately at the University of Wisconsin.

  1. Should the NHL utilize the jailbreak rule that is used in the PWHL that allows for the penalized player to be released from the penalty box if their team scores shorthanded? Sure. Why not.
  2. Last movie you’ve watched … Anyone But You
  3. My ultimate vacation … Greece
  4. Favorite thing to do before a game … Sewer with the boys
  5. Three living people you’d like to have dinner with … Charles Lecleric, Tim Robinson, Frank The Tank (Barstool)
  6. One thing few people know about you … I’m left-handed
  7. Favorite genre of music … Country
  8. One concert you’d really like to see … Coldplay
  9. Cake or pie? And flavor … I don’t like either of them to be honest
  10. Favorite number and why … Brutal question
  11. A youth coach who really helped you … My dad
  12. Favorite women’s hockey player … Abby Roque
  13. What’s in your Chipotle burrito/burrito bowl … White rice, triple chicken, corn, lettuce, cheese, honey vinaigrette
  14. Sport other than hockey that you’re best at … Tennis
  15. Favorite board game … Apples to Apples 

Thursday, May 16, 2024 | Game Day vs. France

Team USA Downs France To Gain Important Three Points

The line of Johnny Gaudreau (Salem, N.J./Columbus Blue Jackets), Brock Nelson (Warroad, Minn./New York Islanders) and Matt Boldy (Millis, Mass./Minnesota Wild) combined for four goals to help propel the U.S. Men’s National Team to a 5-0 victory over France here tonight in preliminary round play at the 2024 IIHF Men’s World Championship. For full recap, click HERE.

Last Minute of Play With Brock Nelson

Throughout the IIHF Men’s World Championship, you’ll have a chance to hear directly from the players of Team USA through a feature we’re calling “Last Minute of Play.” Today, we hear from forward Brock Nelson from the NHL’s New York Islanders, who played collegiately at the University of North Dakota.

  1. Should the NHL utilize the jailbreak rule that is used in the PWHL that allows for the penalized player to be released from the penalty box if their team scores shorthanded? No
  2. Last movie you’ve watched …Top Gun Maverick
  3. My ultimate vacation … Bora Bora
  4. Favorite thing to do before a game … Soccer
  5. Three living people you’d like to have dinner with … Tiger Woods, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal
  6. One thing few people know about you … I like to play tennis
  7. Favorite genre of music … Country
  8. One concert you’d really like to see … Luke Combs
  9. Cake or pie? And flavor … Cake, vanilla
  10. Favorite number and why … 3, Wore in high school
  11. A youth coach who really helped you … Grandpa
  12. Favorite women’s hockey player … Karley, my wife
  13. What’s in your Chipotle burrito/burrito bowl … White Rice, Steak, Guac, Lettuce, Cheese, Viniagarette
  14. Sport other than hockey that you’re best at … Golf
  15. Favorite board game … Cribbage

Wednesday, May 15, 2024 | Preparing For Second Back-To-Back

BACK ON THE ICE

Team USA was back on the ice today after having yesterday off. The U.S. had just more than an hour-long practice that was up-tempo with good intensity. Team USA is getting set for its second set of back-to-back games, which come tomorrow against France and Friday vs. Poland. Both games are at 8:20 p.m. local time/2:20 p.m. ET. It was the first full U.S. practice utilizing the practice rink attached to Ostravar Arena and the temperature inside the practice rink was frigid. Several players and coaches visited with the assembled news media following the skate.

TEAM PHOTO DAY

Just prior to practice today, Team USA took its team photo. IIHF photographer Matt Zambonin, IIHF photo manager Chris Tanouye and a crew of arena volunteers got the chairs and benches set at center ice, and after the players and staff were arranged in three rows, Zambonin gave some finishing instruction to ensure uniformity. From start to finish, the whole process took just about 10 minutes.

TREY AUGUSTINE YOUNGEST EVER

U.S. netminder Trey Augustine is 19 years-old and the youngest goaltender to ever play for Team USA in the IIHF Men's World Championship. Augustine, born on February 23, 2005, will be 19 years, 3 months and 3 days old on the final day of the tournament. He played in a relief role for the injured Alex Lyon in Team USA's contest vs. Germany on May 11 and stopped 11-of-12 shots, including a breakaway shortly after coming into the game early in the second period. He also played in a relief role in Team USA's 5-4 overtime loss to Slovakia on Monday (May 13) and made eights stops on nine shots. Only five 19-year-olds have ever played for Team USA in the men's worlds, also including John Gibson (2013), Rick DiPietro (2001), Mike Dunham (1992), and Mike Richter (1986).

THIS AND THAT

A good number of guests of Team USA’s players and staff will be arriving in Ostrava tomorrow mid-afternoon and be here in time for Team USA’s game tomorrow night against France … After practice today, many players set out to enjoy the beautiful weather in Ostrava … The U.S. plays France tomorrow, which it has faced 12 times previously in the world championship. The U.S. has won 11-of-12 previous meetings, including a 9-0 victory in last year’s preliminary round of the world championship … The U.S. is the only nation in the world that has been in the gold-medal game of every major hockey world championship to date this season, including the Youth Olympic Games, IIHF Under-18 Men’s and Women’s World Championships, IIHF World Junior Championship, IIHF Women’s World Championship, and IPC Para Sled Hockey World Championship.

Last Minute of Play With Shane Pinto

Throughout the IIHF Men’s World Championship, you’ll have a chance to hear directly from the players of Team USA through a feature we’re calling “Last Minute of Play.” Today, we hear from forward Shane Pinto from the NHL’s Ottawa Senators, who played collegiately at the University of North Dakota.

  1. Should the NHL utilize the jailbreak rule that is used in the PWHL that allows for the penalized player to be released from the penalty box if their team scores shorthanded? No
  2. Last movie you’ve watched … Irishman
  3. My ultimate vacation … Ireland golf trip
  4. Favorite thing to do before a game … Have a coffee
  5. Three living people you’d like to have dinner with … Denzel Washington, LeBron James, Tiger Woods
  6. One thing few people know about you … I’m a good cook
  7. Favorite genre of music … Rap/hip hop
  8. One concert you’d really like to see … Lil Uzi Vert
  9. Cake or pie? And flavor … Cake, Carrot
  10. Favorite number and why … 57 because it equals 12
  11. A youth coach who really helped you … Matt Plante, South Kent Prep
  12. Favorite women’s hockey player … Emily Clark
  13. What’s in your Chipotle burrito/burrito bowl … White rice, double steak, guac, cheese, sour cream
  14. Sport other than hockey that you’re best at …. Golf
  15. Favorite board game … Life, Sponge Bob Edition

Tuesday, May 14, 2024 | Full Day Off

WHAT HAPPENED TODAY

Team USA had today completely off. No players skating. No team meetings. Just free to do whatever. What do the players do? Well, it varies. As elite-level athletes, they are always focused on taking care of their physical well-being. Capkarna, a wellness facility in Ostrava, has been a popular spot. A number of players hit the golf course for a round of golf. Bowling has also been a popular activity along with a nice dinner outside of the hotel with repeat visits to two or three popular spots being the norm. With temperatures in the low 70s and the sun shining, players and staff have enjoyed the chance to stroll the city and enjoy the vibe of Ostrava.

AN EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER

The IIHF Men’s World Championship is an experience like no other and this year’s tournament in Ostrava has lived up to every expectation to date. While Team USA was disappointed with its loss yesterday to Slovakia, the environment inside Ostravar Arena was one like not often, if at all, found in the U.S. With the proximity of Slovakia to Ostrava, the capacity crowd was essentially a home crowd for the Slovaks, with the majority of fans dressed in their national team jersey. The constant chanting and whistling in unison (which while fun and unique for American fans, can be a tad bit irritating with more than 9,000 fans joining in) provided for a charged environment from the drop of the puck through to the final buzzer. The Czech organizers have done a commendable job here in Ostrava in putting on the event, which is a mammoth undertaking. The city center here in Ostrava has been a gathering place for fans, as has Stodolni Street, a unique phenomenon of Ostravian social life.

DEPECHE MODE

Peewee Willmann, who has served as the massage therapist for the U.S. Men’s National Team for more than 15 years, has his own practice in Hannover, Germany, that includes physical therapy, massage and osteo treatment. When Depeche Mode was touring in 2017, they visited Hannover and were looking for a new massage therapist to tour with them and came across Willmann. He has been on two tours with the band (2017-18, 2023-24) as their massage therapist that has included more than 250+ shows through North America, South America and Europe. During the men’s world championship, and on tour with Depeche Mode, Willmann regularly rents a bike and journeys on multiple-hour trips outside the city to the countryside to relax and experience the culture.

THIS AND THAT

Sled hockey is popular here in Czechia and the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team regularly visits Ostrava for competitions … Radegast is a favorite beer among locals in Ostrava … Team USA will play back-to-back 8:20 p.m. games on Thursday (May 17) vs. France and Friday (May 18) vs. Poland before finishing preliminary round play with a pair of 4:20 p.m. games against Kazakhstan on Sunday and Latvia a week from today (May 21) … Team USA guests start arriving in earnest on May 17 in time for Team USA’s contest vs. France … Will Smith asked Scott “Scooter” Aldrich, who is part of the team’s hockey operations staff for the tournament and a well-known figure in international hockey, for a “freshie” before Team USA’s game vs. Slovakia yesterday. If you’re wondering what a “freshie” is, it was Smith’s way of asking for a new stick.

Last Minute of Play With Kevin Hayes

Throughout the IIHF Men’s World Championship, you’ll have a chance to hear directly from the players of Team USA through a feature we’re calling “Last Minute of Play.” Today, we hear from forward Kevin Hayes, from the NHL’s St. Louis Blues, who played collegiately at Boston College.

  1. Should the NHL utilize the jailbreak rule that is used in the PWHL that allows for the penalized player to be released from the penalty box if their team scores shorthanded? … Yes
  2. Last movie you’ve watched … The Replacements
  3. My ultimate vacation … Italy
  4. Favorite thing to do before a game … Sleep
  5. Three living people you’d like to have dinner with …Kevin Garnett, Adam Sandler, Denzel Washington,
  6. One thing few people know about you … I do magic
  7. Favorite genre of music … Rap
  8. One concert you’d really like to see … Adele
  9. Cake or pie? And flavor … Pie, Apple
  10. Favorite number and why … 13, I started in the NHL with it
  11. A youth coach who really helped you … Mike Munaciello, Dorchester Youth Hockey
  12. Favorite women’s hockey player … Alex Carpenter
  13. What’s in your Chipotle burrito/burrito bowl … Chicken, brown rice, pico, veggies, vinaigrette
  14. Sport other than hockey that you’re best at … Baseball
  15. Favorite board game … Stratego

Monday, May 13, 2024 | Crazy Game vs. Slovakia

U.S. Rallies From Three-Goal Deficit; Earns Point Against Slovakia

The U.S. Men’s National Team rallied from a 4-1 deficit after two periods, but ultimately fell here by a 5-4 count in overtime against Slovakia before a raucous crowd at Ostrava Arena in preliminary round action at the 2024 IIHF Men’s World Championship.  For the full recap, click HERE.

Last Minute of Play With Alex Vlasic

Throughout the IIHF Men’s World Championship, you’ll have a chance to hear directly from the players of Team USA through a feature we’re calling “Last Minute of Play.” Today, we hear from defenseman Alex Vlasic, from the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks, who played collegiately at Boston University

  1. Should the NHL utilize the jailbreak rule that is used in the PWHL that allows for the penalized player to be released from the penalty box if their team scores shorthanded? Yeah, why not. More incentive to score.
  2. Last movie you’ve watched … Dune: Part Two
  3. My ultimate vacation … Going to Australia, fishing
  4. Favorite thing to do before a game … Pre-game nap
  5. Three living people you’d like to have dinner with … Michael Jordan, Roger Federer, David Beckham
  6. One thing few people know about you … Pretty good at guitar
  7. Favorite genre of music … Alternative, Country
  8. One concert you’d really like to see … Thomas Rhett
  9. Cake or pie? And flavor … Cake, cheesecake with maybe a little strawberry sauce .. or Oreo cheesecake
  10. Favorite number and why … 7, have always loved number, been my go to, also my girlfriend’s birthday
  11. A youth coach who really helped you … Steve Sauer, Chicago Mission 
  12. Favorite women’s hockey player … Jesse Compher
  13. What’s in your Chipotle burrito/burrito bowl … pretty simple, extra white rice, steak and chicken double, guac, honey vinaigrette (and bag of chips)
  14. Sport other than hockey that you’re best at … Basketball
  15. Favorite board game … Pay Day

Sunday, May 12, 2024 | Just Chillin’

Just Chillin’

Happy Mother’s Day from Ostrava. Team USA had today off. Players spent the late morning getting treatments from Team USA's physio staff at the hotel. Many players journeyed for a round of golf this afternoon, while others relaxed, strolled through the city center or watched games from the world championship. The coaching staff was busy preparing for tomorrow's game against Slovakia and other upcoming contests. John Vanbiesbrouck, who is part of Team USA's management group and works full-time for USA Hockey as assistant executive director of hockey operations, served as the IIHF game supervisor for the Slovakia-Kazakhstan game.

Augustine Second Youngest

U.S. netminder Trey Augustine is 19 years-old and the second youngest goaltender to ever play for Team USA in the IIHF Men's World Championship. Augustine, born on February 23, 2005, will be 19 years, 3 months and 3 days old on the final day of the tournament. Clem Harnedy (19 yrs., 2 months, 18 days) is the youngest and played for the U.S. in the 1934 men's worlds. Only six 19-year-olds have ever played for Team USA in the men's worlds, also including John Gibson (2013), Rick DiPietro (2001), Mike Dunham (1992), and Mike Richter (1986).

A Golden Family

Team USA’s Brock Nelson, who is playing in his fifth IIHF Men’s World Championship and is just three goals away from becoming the all-time U.S. career leader in goals in the men’s worlds, has a golden family history. His uncle Dave Christian was a member of the 1980 “Miracle On Ice” Olympic Hockey Team. In addition, his grandfather, Bill Christian and great uncle, Roger Christian, were both on the 1960 gold-medal-winning U.S. Olympic Team and another great uncle, Gordon Christian, played for the U.S. at the 1956 Olympic Winter Games where the team won the silver medal. Brock’s middle name is ... you guessed it ... Christian.

Last Minute of Play With Seth Jones

Throughout the IIHF Men’s World Championship, you’ll have a chance to hear directly from the players of Team USA through a feature we’re calling “Last Minute of Play.” Today, we hear from defenseman Seth Jones, from the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks, who is serving as an alternate captain for Team USA.

  1. Should the NHL utilize the jailbreak rule that is used in the PWHL that allows for the penalized player to be released from the penalty box if their team scores shorthanded? … No 
  2. Last movie you’ve watched … Just Go with It
  3. My ultimate vacation … Trip to Italy
  4. Favorite thing to do before a game … Listen to music
  5. Three living people you’d like to have dinner with … Michael Jordan, Scottie Scheffler, Donald Trump
  6. One thing few people know about you … I’m a foodie
  7. Favorite genre of music … Country
  8. One concert you’d really like to see … Luke Combs
  9. Cake or pie? And flavor … Cake, red velvet
  10. Favorite number and why … 4, just because. 
  11. A youth coach who really helped you … Kent Murphy, Colorado Thunderbirds
  12. Favorite women’s hockey player … Kendall Coyne
  13. What’s in your Chipotle burrito/burrito bowl … Double chicken, ½ scoop brown rice, lettuce, guac, corn, cheese
  14. Sport other than hockey that you’re best at … basketball or pickleball
  15. Favorite board game … Sorry

Saturday, May 11, 2024 | First W Is In

U.S. Beats Germany To Get First Win In Men’s Worlds

Michael Kesselring (New Hampton, N.H./Arizona Coyotes) and Johnny Gaudreau (Salem, N.J./Columbus Blue Jackets) were among 13 players who contributed points as the U.S. Men’s National Team topped Germany, 6-1, here tonight in its second preliminary round game at the 2024 IIHF Men’s World Championship. For the full recap, click HERE.

Last Minute of Play With Trevor Zegras

Throughout the IIHF Men’s World Championship, you’ll have a chance to hear directly from the players of Team USA through a feature we’re calling “Last Minute of Play.” Today, we hear from forward Trevor Zegras, from the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks. He competed collegiately at Boston University.

  1. Should the NHL utilize the jailbreak rule that is used in the PWHL that allows for the penalized player to be released from the penalty box if their team scores shorthanded? Yeah, I love it.
  2. Last movie you’ve watched … The Challenger
  3. My ultimate vacation … Italy and Greece
  4. Favorite thing to do before a game … Talk to the guys
  5. Three living people you’d like to have dinner with … Chris Harrison, Gordon Ramsay, MrBeast
  6. One thing few people know about you … I can play piano
  7. Favorite genre of music … Country
  8. One concert you’d really like to see … Lumineers
  9. Cake or pie? And flavor … Cake, ice cream cake
  10. Favorite number and why … 11, Mark Messier
  11. A youth coach who really helped you … John Gardner, Avon Old Farms
  12. Favorite women’s hockey player … Jesse Compher
  13. What’s in your Chipotle burrito/burrito bowl …. White rice, chicken, cheese, corn, honey vinaigrette sauce all in a bowl
  14. Sport other than hockey that you’re best at … Golf
  15. Favorite board game … Battleship

Friday, May 10, 2024 | Tourney Opener

U.S. Drops 5-2 Decision To Sweden in Men’s Worlds Opener

The U.S. Men’s National Team dropped a 5-2 decision here tonight to Sweden in the opening game for both teams at the 2024 IIHF Men’s World Championship. The game is the first of seven for both teams in the preliminary round. For the full recap, click HERE.

Last Minute of Play With Alex Lyon

Throughout the IIHF Men’s World Championship, you’ll have a chance to hear directly from the players of Team USA through a feature we’re calling “Last Minute of Play.” Today, we hear from goaltender Alex Lyon, from the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings. He competed collegiately at Yale University.

  1. Should the NHL utilize the jailbreak rule that is used in the PWHL that allows for the penalized player to be released from the penalty box if their team scores shorthanded? … I don’t think so.
  2. Last movie you’ve watched … Avatar World of Water
  3. My ultimate vacation … Be home alone for an entire week when no one bothers me
  4. Favorite thing to do before a game … I’m a psycho before the game, so focus I guess
  5. Three living people you’d like to have dinner with … Anthony Edwards, Tiger Woods, Stephen King
  6. One thing few people know about you … I’m a decent cook
  7. Favorite genre of music … Alternative
  8. One concert you’d really like to see … Red Hot Chili Peppers
  9. Cake or pie? And flavor .. Cherry pie
  10. Favorite number and why … 13, because Keith Ballard wore it and I loved it.
  11. A youth coach who really helped you … Mike Pepera, high school coach
  12. Favorite women’s hockey player … Shannon Sabados
  13. What’s in your Chipotle burrito/burrito bowl … Rice, Chicken, Beans, Lettuce, Cheese, Hot Sauce
  14. Sport other than hockey that you’re best at … Baseball
  15. Favorite board game … Risk

Thursday, May 9, 2024 | Calm Before Storm

PHOTO DAY

Prior to practice today, players and staff took their official tournament headshots and players also were filmed in front of a green screen where the host broadcaster recorded various poses, including each player’s favorite “celly.” The recordings will be used throughout the tournament in the arena and on broadcasts throughout the world.

CAPTAINS NAMED

Brady Tkachuk was named captain of the 2024 U.S. Men’s National Team today. Tkachuk served as captain of the U.S. Under-18 Men’s National Team that claimed gold in the 2017 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship. In addition, Brock Nelson, Seth Jones and Zach Werenski – who have combined to play in eight previous IIHF Men’s World Championships -- were named alternate captains.

ON WITH THE NHL NETWORK

U.S. netminder Alex Lyon was on NHL Network with Mike Rupp and Corey Schneider for the Players Only segment yesterday. To watch, click HERE. NHL Network is the exclusive home of Team USA throughout the IIHF Men’s World Championship and will carry all U.S. games live in the tournament.

QUICK BITS

Both Alex Nedeljkovic and Gavin Brindley arrived today. Team USA’s roster is now full with the allotted 25 players … Team USA had a 50-minute practice session today that started at 11:40 a.m. at Ostravar Arena … The U.S. will play four its first five games in the world championship at 8:20 p.m. … Dominik Kafka, who is from Czechia and previously played for the professional team here, is Team USA’s host. Kafka is integrated into Team USA and is the conduit between the local organizing committee and team … Brian Mudryk, Brian Engblom and Claire Hanna, who are calling Team USA’s games on the NHL Network from Ostrava, visited with U.S. head coach John Hynes and selected players following practice today.

Last Minute of Play With Mikey Eyssimont

Throughout the IIHF Men’s World Championship, you’ll have a chance to hear directly from the players of Team USA through a feature we’re calling “Last Minute of Play.” Today, we hear from forward Mikey Eyssimont, from the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning. He competed collegiately at St. Cloud State University.

  1. Should the NHL utilize the jailbreak rule that is used in the PWHL that allows for the penalized player to be released from the penalty box if their team scores shorthanded? No.
  2. Last movie you’ve watched … Dune: Part Two
  3. My ultimate vacation … Beach with family
  4. Favorite thing to do before a game … Hang out with the boys
  5. Three living people you’d like to have dinner with … Larry David, Novak Djokovic, Barack Obama
  6. One thing few people know about you … Have a twin sister
  7. Favorite genre of music … House
  8. One concert you’d really like to see … Diplo 
  9. Cake or pie? And flavor … Cake, red velvet
  10. Favorite number and why … 23, kind of been in my family for a while
  11. A youth coach who really helped you … Angelo Ricci, Colorado Thunderbirds
  12. Favorite women’s hockey player … Nicole Hensley
  13. What’s in your Chipotle burrito/burrito bowl … Don’t eat it
  14. Sport other than hockey that you’re best at … Tennis
  15. Favorite board game … Catan

Wednesday, May 8 | On To Ostrava!

OFF TO OSTRAVA

Team USA boarded a charter bus from Bratislava to Ostrava this morning at 10 a.m. The three-and-a-half ride hour was scenic and included a stop on the outskirts of Trencin, Slovakia, the home of hockey greats Marian Gaborik and Zdeno Chara among many others. Ostrava is a town of about 280,000 in the north-east of the Czech Republic. It lies about nine miles from the border with Poland, at the confluences of four rivers: Oder, Opava, Ostravice and Lucina. Ostrava is the third largest city in Czechia. Team USA did not practice today. The players enjoyed a nice dinner out of the hotel and were looking forward to a good night’s sleep in advance of their skate late tomorrow morning at Ostravar Arena (about a 15-minute bus ride from the team’s host hotel).

TEAM USA WELCOMES AMBASSADOR

Guatam Rana, the U.S. Ambassador to Slovakia, his wife Alexsa and their two young sons were greeted by Team USA in the lockerroom following last night’s game against  Slovakia in Bratislava. Rana shared he is a big hockey fan and cheers for the New Jersey Devils and also the New York Islanders. He reflected how great it was for the team to be in Slovakia and shared with the players the importance of representing their country.

PUBLIC HOLIDAY

Today is Liberation Day in Czechia, a public holiday to commemorate May 8, 1945. On that day, Czechoslovakia was under German occupation and was liberated by American and Soviet army units. It ended the worst and most destructive war in modern European history.

THINGS

Kevin Hayes celebrated his 32nd birthday here today … USA Hockey announced the addition of goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic and forward Gavin Brindley to the 2024 U.S. Men’s National Team roster, which now stands at 25, the maximum allowed … Brock Nelson arrived today in Ostrava and will be on the ice with the U.S. tomorrow for practice … Luke Lalonde, son of Team USA assistant coach Derek Lalonde, was taken by Sioux City in this week’s USHL Draft.

Last Minute of Play With Michael Kesselring

Throughout the IIHF Men’s World Championship, you’ll have a chance to hear directly from the players of Team USA through a feature we’re calling “Last Minute of Play.” Today, we hear from defenseman Michael Kesselring, who played this past season for the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes and competed collegiately at Northeastern University.

  1. Should the NHL utilize the jailbreak rule that is used in the PWHL that allows for the penalized player to be released from the penalty box if their team scores shorthanded? No. Like more scoring.
  2. Last movie you’ve watched … Dune: Part Two
  3. My ultimate vacation … Hawaii
  4. Favorite thing to do before a game … Nap
  5. Three living people you’d like to have dinner with … Tiger Woods, LeBron James, Michael Jordan
  6. One thing few people know about you … I have two cats  (Socks, Ranger)
  7. Favorite genre of music … Rap
  8. One concert you’d really like to see … Juice WRLD
  9. Cake or pie? And flavor … Cake, chocolate
  10. Favorite number and why … 7, cause of Renaldo
  11. A youth coach who really helped you … My dad
  12. Favorite women’s hockey player … Megan Keller
  13. What’s in your Chipotle burrito/burrito bowl … Chicken, rice, cheese, lettuce, guac
  14. Sport other than hockey that you’re best at … Golf or pickleball
  15. Favorite board game … Chess

Tuesday, May 7 | Game Day With A Win

U.S. Tops Slovakia, 6-2, in Pre-Tournament Action

The U.S. Men’s National Team, with 12 different players contributing points, defeated Slovakia, 6-2, here tonight in its lone pre-tournament game ahead of the 2024 IIHF Men’s World Championship. The game was played before a capacity crowd of 9,258 at Ondrej Nepala Arena. For the full recap, click HERE.

Last Minute of Play With Jake Sanderson

Throughout the IIHF Men’s World Championship, you’ll have a chance to hear directly from the players of Team USA through a feature we’re calling “Last Minute of Play.” Today, we talked to defenseman Jake Sanderson, who plays for the NHL’s Ottawa Senators and competed collegiately at the University of North Dakota.

  1. Should the NHL utilize the jailbreak rule that is used in the PWHL that allows for the penalized player to be released from the penalty box if their team scores shorthanded? Yeah
  2. Last movie you’ve watched … Draft Day 
  3. My ultimate vacation … Costa Rica or Hawaii
  4. Favorite thing to do before a game … Tape my twigs
  5. Three living people you’d like to have dinner with …. Tom Brady, Michael Jordan, Andrew Huberman
  6. One thing few people know about you … I love mountain biking
  7. Favorite genre of music … I like rap and country, but more of a country guy right now
  8. One concert you’d really like to see … Nickelback
  9. Cake or pie? And flavor .. Cake, cheesecake, original .. little caramel
  10. Favorite number and why … 8, my dad wore eight, it’s family number
  11. A youth coach who really helped you … Seth Appert when I was at the NTDP
  12. Favorite women’s hockey player … Dara Greig 
  13. What’s in your Chipotle burrito/burrito bowl … White rice, black beans, double chicken, queso, pico, cheese, guac and lettuce
  14. Sport other than hockey that you’re best at … Ping Pong
  15. Favorite board game … Either Code Names or Old Maid

Monday, May 6, 2024 | Day Two in Bratislava

ON THE ICE

Team USA continued preparations for the world championship on the ice at Ondrej Nepala Arena today with a practice at 12 noon that went for approximately 75 minutes. The U.S. is set to play Slovakia in a pre-tournament game here tomorrow at 6 p.m. local (12 noon ET) and the live stream of the game can be found here. The game has long been sold out with more than 10,000 fans expected, including U.S. Ambassador to Slovakia Gautam Rana and his family.

ADAPTING TO A NEW TIME ZONE

The challenges of international travel are many. Among the most talked about subjects on the morning of day two of a trip is how players and staff slept on night one as all work to quickly adapt to a new time zone, which for all is at least six hours of variance. Over the last decade, the typical unscientific survey results find 65% of players and staff largely sleeping through the night and having no issues. This year’s group is unique with that number at 90% or better.

THE IRISH HAVE IT

While the 2024 men’s national team support staff includes many familiar faces who have been part of Team USA for previous world championships, there are a few new faces. One of them is Dr. Mike O’Malley, who currently practices in Roanoke, Virginia. A former member of the Colgate men’s ice hockey team, O’Malley has served as the physician for three teams from USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program who competed in Five Nations Tournaments, most recently at a U18 Five Nations last year in Finland. O’Malley completed his sports medicine fellowship under the guidance of Dr. Mike Stuart, USA Hockey’s chief medical and safety officer, at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

BRIEFLY

The weather in Bratislava has been quite nice since Team USA arrived, with two days of sunshine and temperature into the 70s … Team USA’s pre-tournament game against Slovakia here tomorrow will complete a trifecta of international competition between the two nations. This past Saturday (May 4), the U.S. Under-18 Men’s National Team defeated Slovakia in the semifinals of the IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship and also that day Team USA bested Slovakia in preliminary round play at the IPC Para World Sled Hockey Championship … NHL Network’s Jon Morosi spoke with several members of Team USA via Zoom today and will be reporting on the IIHF Men’s World Championship throughout the tournament … Cole Caufield, who plays with Slovakian star Juraj Slafkovsky for the Montreal Canadiens, has been regularly sought out to take photos and sign autographs for fans over the last two days … U.S. trainer Mike Vogt who has been with the Columbus Blue Jackets since 2008 and before that was with the Minnesota Wild, had a chance to have coffee with retired NHL star Marian Gaborik yesterday at Team USA’s hotel. Gaborik is from Trencin, Slovakia.

Last Minute of Play With Jeff Petry

Throughout the IIHF Men’s World Championship, you’ll have a chance to hear directly from the players of Team USA through a feature we’re calling “Last Minute of Play.” Today we have a chance to hear from Team USA defenseman Jeff Petry, who plays for the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings and competed collegiately at Michigan State University.

  1. Should the NHL utilize the jailbreak rule that is used in the PWHL that allows for the penalized player to be released from the penalty box if their team scores shorthanded? … I like it.
  2. Last movie you’ve watched … Footloose (old one)
  3. My ultimate vacation … Greece
  4. Favorite thing to do before a game … Two-touch soccer
  5. Three living people you’d like to have dinner with … Elon Musk, Donald Trump, Michael Jordan
  6. One thing few people know about you … I’ve got four kids (ages 2, 4, 6, 8)
  7. Favorite genre of music … Country
  8. One concert you’d really like to see … I have two. Zach Bryan and George Strait … and I’m going to both this summer
  9. Cake or pie? And flavor … Cake, red velvet
  10. Favorite number and why … #2 … it’s the number I picked when I was young and wore for a long time
  11. A youth coach who really helped you … Brian Klanow, my coach at Orchard-Lake St. Mary’s High Cchool
  12. Favorite women’s hockey player … Jesse Compher
  13. What’s in your Chipotle burrito/burrito bowl .. Chicken, rice, guac, cheese, hot salsa
  14. Sport other than hockey that you’re best at … Baseball
  15. Favorite board game … Catan

Sunday, May 5, 2024 | Live from Bratislava

Armed with 14 first-round NHL draft picks and more than 7,000 games of NHL experience, the U.S. Men’s National Team arrived here in Bratislava this morning to begin a short three-day pre-camp ahead of the 2024 IIHF Men’s World Championship that will culminate with the squad’s only pre-tournament game on Tuesday night against Slovakia.

The 22 players and staff gathered at the Newark Airport in New Jersey on Saturday afternoon and landed after an 8 ½-hour flight at approximately 8:30 a.m. in Slovakia’s capital city. The coaching staff spent a good portion of the flight preparing for Team USA’s first practice, while the players enjoyed renewing old friendships -- or engaging with new teammates.

After going through customs at the Bratislava airport, Team USA took a short

15-minute bus ride to its host hotel, which is adjacent to Ondrej Nepala Arena where it will train and also play Slovakia on Tuesday evening.

PRACTICE AT ONDREJ NEPALA ARENA 

Team USA had a 60-minute practice today at Ondrej Nepala Arena in Bratislava at 2 p.m. local time. 

U.S. head coach John Hynes, who is the bench boss of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild, has assistant coach Jack Capuano working with the Team USA penalty kill, while fellow assistant coach Derek Lalonde is leading the U.S. power play efforts. The U.S. staff also includes assistant coach Ty Hennes, goaltending coach Alex Westlund and video coach Mike King. 

Three Team USA players -- Zach Werenski, Johnny Gaudreau, and Luke Kunin – were part of the 2019 U.S. Men’s National Team that played here in the 2019 IIHF Men’s World Championship. The U.S. contested its preliminary round games that year in Kosice, Slovakia, and moved to Ondrej Nepala Arena for its quarterfinal game, which it dropped by a 4-3 count to Russia. John Hynes was an assistant coach for that team.

THAT ELUSIVE GOLD MEDAL

While the U.S. has four bronze medals to its credit over the last 10 men’s world championships and finished in the top four in seven of the last 10 years, it has won the gold medal just once, that all the way back in 1933.

General manager Brett Peterson has assembled a talented group that has U.S. fans excited. With a balance of youth and experience, the U.S. roster has a combined 38 medals in international play, including 10 players who have previously played in the men’s worlds.


1933 Gold Medal Winning Team

A FEW THINGS

The U.S. Men’s National Team recorded a good luck video to share with the U.S. Under-18 Men’s National Team in advance of its gold-medal game against Canada played today in Espoo, Finland … Cole Caufield and Luke Hughes spoke to Slovak journalists following practice today. A good chunk of the questions for Caufield were about his Slovakian teammate with the Montreal Canadiens, Juraj Slafkovsky  … Professional autograph seekers were out in full force outside Team USA’s hotel today … The U.S. National Sled Hockey Team is currently playing in the IPC Para Sled Hockey World Championship in Calgary.

Last Minute of Play With Zach Werenski

Throughout the IIHF Men’s World Championship, you’ll have a chance to hear directly from the players of Team USA through a feature we’re calling “Last Minute of Play.” We start with Team USA defenseman Zach Werenksi, who plays for the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets and competed collegiately at the University of Michigan.

  1. Should the NHL utilize the jailbreak rule that is used in the PWHL that allows for the penalized player to be released from the penalty box if their team scores shorthanded? … Interesting. Didn’t know that. Why not.
  2. Last movie you’ve watched … Glass Onion
  3. My ultimate vacation … South of France
  4. Favorite thing to do before a game … Nap
  5. Three living people you’d like to have dinner with …. Tiger Woods, Elon Musk, Lionel Messi
  6. One thing few people know about you … I like to golf
  7. Favorite genre of music … Country
  8. One concert you’d really like to see … Zach Bryan
  9. Cake or pie? And flavor … Cake, vanilla with vanilla frosting
  10. Favorite number and why … 13, growing up it was Pavel Datsyuk’s number, my favorite player
  11. A youth coach who really helped you … Been a lot who have helped me, but I’ll go with Doug Brown from Belle Tire.
  12. Favorite women’s hockey player … Hilary Knight
  13. What’s in your Chipotle burrito/burrito bowl … Simple. White rice, chicken, pinto beans, lettuce, cheese.
  14. Sport other than hockey that you’re best at … Golf
  15. Favorite board game … Life

Tag(s): News  Men's  World Championship  Home  2024 Men's Worlds 

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