FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1

As the calendar turned to December, Team USA returned to the ice for its second practice here in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, ahead of the 2017 World Sled Hockey Challenge. The practice included breakout drills and special teams situations before closing with small-area games at center ice.

A PAIR OF DEBUTS
Defenseman Ralph DeQuebec and forward Travis Dodson are making their debut with the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team in Sunday’s matchup against Korea. Both players spent the 2016-17 season with the U.S. Development Sled Hockey Team. DeQuebec served as co-captain for the squad. Meanwhile, Dodson is seeking a return to the Paralympic Winter Games after participating in the biathlon event at the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi.

FIVE SEEK PARALYMPIC SLED HOCKEY EXPERIENCE
Five players - Ralph DeQuebec, Travis Dodson, Billy Hanning, Luke McDermott and Josh Misiewicz - are seeking Paralympic sled hockey debuts. While DeQuebec and Dodson are making their national debuts this season, Hanning, McDermott and Misiewicz have been members of the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team since the 2014-15 season. For a feature on their aspirations, click here.

DOWN TIME OPTIONS
While this year’s international competitions allow Team USA to gel together as a team on the ice ahead of the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games, the tournaments also allow the team the chance to spend time together off the ice. Some choose to stay in the hotel playing video games or cards while others enjoy the opportunity to venture the streets and nearby stores.