Team USA Men’s Hockey Faces Intense Competition as Olympic Selection Approaches
With five months remaining before the Olympic Games, competition for roster spots on the U.S. Men’s National Team is heating up, fueled by players vying for selection while simultaneously beginning their NHL seasons. The recent 4 Nations Face-Off provided a glimpse into potential team dynamics and highlighted the fierce battle for coveted positions.
Defensemen Jaccob Slavin and Zach Werenski are considered virtually assured of top-four roles. Though, the remaining defensive slots are subject to intense competition. Adam Fox, recovering from a less productive season, is expected to contend for a spot after positive feedback from USA camp, where it was noted he is poised for a comeback. Sanderson has earned a more regular role after being included in the 4 Nations tournament at age 22.
“I’m not sure what my chances are,” Jones said. “But I’m going to do my best to make it.”
Players anticipate a heightened level of intensity in the early stages of the NHL season as they simultaneously compete for Olympic consideration.
“Obviously it’s going to be engaging playing for your team,your personal team,then in the back of your mind,you’re kind of playing for this as well,right?” Jones said. “Usually you have the first 20 games after training camp, everyone’s getting settled into their system. I think you’re going to see a lot more guys look faster early on this season, as they’re fighting for something.”
The 4 Nations Face-Off marked the first time brothers Brady and Matthew Tkachuk were teammates outside of an All-Star game. Brady Tkachuk described the experience as deeply personal, stating, “It was the little moments — going back to the hotel and going to each other’s rooms, hanging out, getting dinner, I felt like we were just inseparable for the two weeks. It felt like we were kids again… It was just so special in the locker room, looking across the room and seeing him and hearing what he has to say and his Stanley Cup experience of giving it to everybody.”
The Hughes brothers – Quinn,Jack,and Luke - are also hoping to play together on the Olympic team. Quinn Hughes has already been named to the team, while Jack and Luke are seeking to join him. While Quinn and Jack previously played together on a World Juniors team, and Jack and Luke are New Jersey Devils teammates, Quinn and Luke have never played together at the professional level. Luke Hughes, 23, expressed his desire to play alongside his brothers, saying, “It’s something we’ve always dreamed of, to play with each other and wear the crest… The three of us to do that together would be such an honor. So it will happen someday. I think it will happen someday.”
New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes’s teammate, Pesce, observed the brothers’ dynamic at camp, noting, “It’s like three brothers, they bicker back and forth… And then you add Quinn, he’s the older brother. I feel like he’s kind of the middle man. They’re always barking at each other. Sometimes it’s hockey, sometimes it’s the Chipotle bill. They’re always goofing on each other; it’s fun.”
