USA Women's Hockey

The U.S. Women’s National Team completed a pre-camp in Long Island on Wednesday and made their way to Malmo, Sweden for the 2015 IIHF Women’s World Championship.

The time in New York allowed for head coach Ken Klee to implement systems and start the process of getting familiarity among the players with the intent of entering the tournament with everyone on the same page and a growing chemistry for the initial line combinations and defense pairings.

Travel: The team boarded a plane in Newark, New Jersey on Wednesday with a comfortable and direct flight to Copenhagen, Denmark. The team was met at the airport by the IIHF assigned host for the tournament, Linn Martin. After a relatively short bus ride, the team was in Malmo and ready to get going.

The team had a meal at the hotel and later that afternoon practiced to get the legs moving and shake out the cobwebs a little after a long journey. The time change and jet lag can be difficult initially and have an effect but the transition has been as expected and fairly seamless with enough time allowed for the players to adjust in advance of today’s game.

Transition: As is the case from year to year, players on the roster change for various reasons and new faces are welcomed onto the squad.

The 2015 roster has two players who are new to the national team, Stephanie Anderson and Zoe Hickel. There are also six players who have represented the U.S. Women’s National Team previously but are playing for the first time in the IIHF Women’s World Championship. They are Dani Cameranesi, Megan Keller, Annie Pankowski, Emily Pfalzer, Haley Skarupa and Dana Trivigno. Hannah Brandt and Molly Schaus were on the squad in 2012 and are back on the roster for this event.

There is also at new coach behind the bench, Ken Klee. The long-time NHL defenseman replaces Katey Stone at the helm.

No longer on the roster from the WWC gold medal game in 2013 are: forwards, Julie Chu, Sarah Erickson, Lyndsey Fry, Amanda Kessel, Jen Schoulis and Kelley Steadman, defensemen, Megan Bozek, Lisa Chesson, Gigi Marvin and goaltender Brianne McLaughlin.

Between the Pipes: Goaltending coach Robb Stauber is tasked with helping prepare the goaltenders for the tournament and has been pleased with the level of play from all three netminders. It’s a definite strength that the team will look to rally around and a tough decision for the coaching staff as to who will get the starting nod.

Captain Video: Several staff members do thankless jobs in an effort to help the players be their best on the ice. Each role is unique and essential to team success. One of those individuals is Mat Myers, the video coordinator for the national team. He may be unheralded publicly but his efforts don't go unnoticed within the inner team circle. He puts in long hours filming games and practices and breaking down tape to help the coaching staff prepare its game plan. He provides a valuable service to the players as well. They are able to watch all their shifts and learn from the footage to improve their game.

Photo Day: Yesterday was photo day and the IIHF photo crew makes sure to shoot and catalog all staff and players with headshots and an official team photo. Everyone looks their best and is ready to proudly represent their country. It may not have an impact on the tournament but it’s always a significant day and an indicator that the tournament is ready to commence. 

Today is the day to drop the puck and let the games begin!