Day 10 - December 24

Christmas Eve in Victoria was a busy day for the United States, which hit the ice at Save-on-Foods Memorial Center, received gifts from 'Stan'-ta and saw head coach Mike Hastings name Mikey Anderson captain along with Quinn Hughes and Josh Norris as alternate captains.

ANDERSON TABBED U.S. CAPTAIN
Following dinner and Team USA's gift-giving exchange, Mike Hastings gathered the players together to discuss the team's leadership group. At its core, the five returnees will play a critical role in the overall leadership of the locker room.
     "We've been together a little over a week and I think a big reason this group is already so close is because of our five returnees," said coach Hastings. "Every single one of them is going to be a big part of this. Mikey, Quinn and Josh will wear letters, but we believe all five of these individuals will play a critical role both on and off the ice in leading our team."

SURPRISE GIFT-GIVING GUEST
Following dinner, the U.S. players and staff were surprised by 'Stan'ta and his three helper elves. Behind the ruse was U.S. athletic trainer Stan Wong, who played the role of Santa while fellow athletic trainer Matt Schmidt and equipment managers Jake Visser and Nick Meldrum served as the three elves.