Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016

COLUMBUS, Ohio – With day four of practice in the books for Team USA as it readies for the World Cup of Hockey 2016, the players are focused on tomorrow’s game against Canada, the first of three pre-tournament contests before the World Cup officially begins on Sept. 17 in Toronto.

Jonathan Quick will start in goal tomorrow for the U.S. and play at least half the game according to coach John Tortorella. Ben Bishop will play at minimum the third period if not some of the second.

Practice today began with taking the team photo and a few group shots at Nationwide Arena. The team then ventured to the adjacent Ice Haus for a spirited 50-minute practice.

LINEUP TODAY

Forwards

Pacorietty-Pavelski-Kane

Parise-Stepan-Wheeler

Abdelkaer-Kesler-Oshie

van Riemdsyk-Dubinsky-Backes-Palmieri

Defense

McDonagh-E. Johnson

Suter-Niskanen

J.Johnson-Byfuglien

Carlson

Goaltender

Bishop

Quick

Schneider

LOCKERROOM TOUR

Defensemen Jack Johnson filmed a tour of the Team USA lockerroom here in Columbus today. It will be featured at USAHockey.com tomorrow.

IT ALL STARTED HERE

Nationwide Arena has a special place in the hearts of a number of Team USA players as it was the location where they were drafted into the NHL in June of 2007. Patrick Kane was the #1 pick that year (Chicago Blackhawks), while James van Riemsdyk was the #2 choice (Philadelphia Flyers), Ryan McDonagh was picked 12th (Montreal Canadiens) and Max Pacorietty was chosen 22nd (Montreal Canadiens). It was the first time ever Amercan-born players went 1-2 in an NHL Entry Draft.

FIVE QUESTIONS WITH TEAM USA FORWARD T.J. OSHIE

Summer 2016 Highlight: The birth of my little girl, Leni Rose (on June 21). Nothing even close to that.

Golf or Boating: Golf. For sure.

Advice You’d Give To Young Hockey Player: Have fun. That should be why you play. And play as many sports as you can.

Last Concert You Attended: Luke Bryan in St. Louis.

Last Streaming Show You Watched: Last Man Standing