Even as USAH player depth has grown, our coaching depth hasn't at the same time. Sullivan was the likely choice, so not surprised at the choice. I'm more interested in the assistant coaches. There are some creative and interesting options to consider. Would they go with guys like Greg Carvel or Nate Leaman?
Eichel might never again get a chance to play in the Olympics.
If he has the surgery Buffalo wants him to have or this drags out another few months, he may not be able to play. I don’t think we can win without Eichel. Center is our weakest position already with him.
Lol McDonagh was better than Headman during playoffs. He will make it.Surprised so many are omitting McDonagh. His play and leadership would be a huge asset to Team USA. I hope he makes it.
I’m not anti-Jones, and I would absolutely have him on the team. I think the fact that you could pair him with Werenski, who he has familiarity with, works to his benefit.
But he’s also competing for playing time with Fox, McAvoy, and Carlson. Each of those guys have been in better form than him the last few seasons. I’m not sure Jones is or should be guaranteed a big role. I think he’ll be on the team, but if he doesn’t show his top form to start next season, he may find himself in a small role.
I expect him to play better in Chicago where they play more to his strengths. But regardless, at this moment, I'd take Jones over John Carlson. Carlson is one of those guys, like say Chabot for Canada, who is an awkward fit on the national teams because the main thing he has to offer isn't especially needed. There will be other PP QBs and other guys to lead the attack at 5 v 5. And you certainly don't pick him for his lackadaisical defense.
Slavin - Fox
Werenski - Jones
McDonagh - McAvoy
Pesce
Take a shot at it:
M. Tkachuk - Matthews - Kane
Gaudreau - Eichel (if healthy) - DeBrincat
Guentzal - Larkin - Boeser
B. Tkachuk- Paveleski/Trocheck - Connor
Max Pac
Slavin - Fox
Chychrun - Carlson
Werenski - McAvoy
Pesce/McD
Hellybuck
Gibson
Demko
They have a lot of good options on Defense which could be interchangeable with who I picked. Like Werenski could be Hughes. Carlson Jones etc
??Hopefully NHL is not in these China game's must be boycotted. And in Olympics i think they should not even play regular hockey pond hockey 4v4 with best amateurs would be good.
We should get pond hockey to Olympics atleast similar event to 3v3 basketball;D if not main hockey event..
I guess this orientation camp never came to fruition. I know Sweden has had a camp of sorts this summer.Team USA Looking for Olympic Buy-in
“According to USA Hockey executive director Pat Kelleher, the team is hoping to hold an orientation camp in the summer, with a roster named around Jan. 1. Bowman said there's no rush on the coach, but it goes without saying that will be another big news story.”
A summer camp will be exciting to get an idea of who’s going. Bowman and Guerin are fine choices to build the team just need to nail the coach.
So reading a lot of that thread… is no one actually considering Caufield? I mean if he starts next season the same way he played in the playoffs (or maybe even better considering age and development), shouldn’t he be considered as a lethal offensive threat for the US team?