After four practices battling against teammates, Team USA has a pre-tournament game against Minnesota State University tonight at Verizon Wireless Center in Mankato, Minn. The game will be a final chance for players to make their case to the coaching staff. Tomorrow morning, at least three players will be released from the 29-man roster.
"The first priority tonight is evaluation," said Don Lucia, head coach of the U.S. National Junior Team. "Also we want to start forging the identity of our team. It's safe to say that those not playing tonight will be on the plane to Sweden tomorrow."
The players not in the lineup tonight include forwards Riley Barber, JT Compher, Andrew Copp, Nic Kerdiles, Dan O'Regan and defenseman Matt Grzelcyk.
GAME COVERAGE
Tonight's game will be broadcast throughout the state of Minnesota on Charter cable (ch. 826 HD, 226 SD). Additionally, Digital cable (ch. 99-13) in Southern Minnesota, Comcast (ch. 999) in the Twin Cities and Mediacom (ch. 22) in Minnesota will air the game. For those outside of Minnesota, the game will be streamed live at www.americaonesports.com. The Minnesota State radio broadcast will be available here.