Team North America proving scary, playing pressure-free
Under-24 squad’s success to be determined by defence, goaltending in tournament
Youth could work in one of two ways for Team North America at the World Cup of Hockey. It could be the fuel that powers a deep run in the latest reincarnation of the best-on-best tournament, or it could be the detriment in defeat.
Spearheading the roster for the North Americans, general manager Peter Chiarelli is hoping for the former. He describes his squad, represented by players 23-and-under from Canada and the United States, as “bright-eyed and bushy-tailed” and oozing with energy.
“The youth psyche helps us on a number of different levels,” he said. Chiarelli points to the expansive start time veteran legs sometimes require to get going in the fall. By contrast, young players are revved up and ready to go from Day 1. Health also tends to be less of a concern, he added.
If young, Team North America is also booming with speed and skill. The roster includes some of the most enticing long-term talents in the sport, including each of the last four No. 1 draft picks. The prospect of all that hope joined together makes North America a team to watch at the World Cup.
Excitement was palpable at training camp last week when head coach Todd McLellan paired the top two picks of the 2015 draft, Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel, with the electric Johnny Gaudreau.
Similar electricity was evident when McLellan teamed up Nathan MacKinnon, Auston Matthews and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, all No. 1 overall picks.
Connections of this kind might never be seen again for many reasons, including the long-term uncertainty of the tournament and its format.
Can the defence absorb the pressure of attacks like Canada’s and get the puck safely, and consistently, to that prodigious forward group?
“I think if we’re able to break the puck out clean on a consistent basis, I think we’ll win,” said Chiarelli when asked what would make his team victorious.
Age may not matter when it comes to North America either, even if the expectations lie lower for that very reason. Talent might just push this group to the top.
“They’re the team that’s scary right,” Team Canada forward Tyler Seguin said. “Because that’s a team that really has no pressure.”