The U.S. Women’s National Under-18 Team arrived in Canada earlier today and will hit the ice tomorrow for a team photo and the first practice at the Meridian Centre. But looking back at the past week of training camp in Buffalo, New York, it’s hard not to notice the impact that the U.S. Women’s National Team is having on the U18 Team.

A BEAUT OF A GAME

The U18s took on the Buffalo Beauts last night in a hard fought game that ended with a 3-2 victory for the NWHL club. Three members of the U.S. Women’s National Team – Megan Bozek, Emily Pfalzer and Meghan Duggan, are on the Beauts and all three players walked away impressed by what they saw. “This is a good young team with a lot of speed and some play-making ability,” said Bozek. “I’m sure they will do a great job at worlds.”

NATIONAL TEAM FOCUS

Meghan Duggan has been in camp all week serving as a player mentor. “It’s been a lot of fun to work with the players on the ice and get to know them off the ice,” said Duggan. “They’re an impressive group with a lot of talent and unique personalities. I’m confident they’ll wear the sweater with pride and put in a great effort as they go for gold.”

GETTING STRONGER

Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson, of the USWNT, served as the strength and conditioning coach this past week during the pre-camp for the tournament.

According to head coach Joel Johnson, it was a real positive to have the veterans on hand. “Without question, having them around this week has made an impact on our players and will help with a lot of little things that are inherited just by being around them.”