Hitting the Books

Following its second practice in Russia, Team USA held its second study hall of the week at the team hotel. As most of the players are high school seniors, the scheduled study halls allow the players time to complete their assignments and prepare for tests they will take upon their return to the U.S. 

Familiar Faces

The U.S. Under-18 Men's National Team has two returning players from last year's gold medal-winning squad.

In last year's tournament, forward Joel Farabee (Cicero, N.Y.) saved his best game for last as he recorded two goals, including the eventual game-winner, in Team USA's 4-2 victory against Finland in the Gold Medal Game. He earned Player of the Game honors for his efforts. The New York native finished the tournament tied for sixth on the team in scoring with six points (3-3-6). 

Oliver Wahlstrom (Quincy, Mass.) finished last year's tournament tied with Max Gildon (Plano, Texas) for the team lead in goals with four in seven games. Wahlstrom scored two goals, including the game-winner, in Team USA's final preliminary round victory (USA, 5-1) against Sweden.

TAKE FIVE: CALIFORNIA DREAMING
Two defensemen on this year’s U.S. Under-18 Men's National Team hail from sunny California. Defensemen Adam Samuelsson (San Diego, Calif./USAH NTDP) and Cam York (Anaheim Hills, Calif./USAH NTDP), both claim California as their home states. 

WHO'S THE COOLEST PERSON YOU'VE EVER MET?
Samuelsson: Actor Zac Efron
York: Auston Matthews

FAVORITE NHL PLAYER
Samuelsson: Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman
York: New York Islanders defenseman Nick Leddy

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME:
Samuelsson: I'm a great surfer
York: I like to fish

FAVORITE ACTIVITY AWAY FROM THE RINK:
Samuelsson: Tennis and golf
York: Fishing

FAVORITE EMOJI:
Samuelsson: Heart Eyes
York: Bee