How Team USA built its NHL 4 Nations Face-Off roster

Emily Kaplan, ESPNDec 5, 2024, 07:30 AM ET

CloseEmily Kaplan is ESPN’s national NHL reporter.

A few days before Thanksgiving, Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin was in Columbus to scout the Blue Jackets. After the game, he went for dinner and drinks with Chris Kelleher, his assistant general manager.

As the restaurant started emptying out, a few Blue Jackets players walked in, including defenseman Zach Werenski and his fiancé, Odette Peters. The couple said hello before sitting at their table.

“Should we tell him tonight?” Kelleher asked. “We won’t be able to tell many of the guys in person.”

So Guerin summoned the couple back. “I just need you guys to pick up the check, I forgot my wallet,” Guerin joked. “His fiancé was great, she said, ‘I’ll buy your dinner if you put him on Team USA!'”

“All right, you’re buying,” Guerin said. “Because he’s in.”

As Guerin relayed the moment — which was followed by hugs, smiles and Guerin indeed paying his own tab — he couldn’t help but feel sentimental. On Thanksgiving, the Team USA GM made calls to the rest of the players who made the 23-man Four Nations roster.

Reactions were priceless. Rangers forward Chris Kreider told Guerin he’d do whatever it takes — even scrub the floors. Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin wanted the nod badly but wasn’t sure until he got the call. When Larkin heard he was part of Team USA’s plans all along, the center called it one of the greatest achievements of his career. “Noah Hanifin was like, ‘let’s goooo!'” Guerin said. “He couldn’t believe it.”

Then there was J.T. Miller, who is currently on a personal leave with the Vancouver Canucks.

“He’s working on things,” Guerin said. “But for us to stick with him, I think that meant a lot. It was a great conversation.”

Zach Werenski had a unique experience in finding out he made the U.S. roster after a recent meal. Scott Dinn/Icon Sportswire

There hasn’t been a best-on-best international tournament with NHL players since the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. The Four…

Source link : https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/42778407/nhl-2024-25-team-usa-hockey-4-nations-faceoff-roster-players-team

Author : Emily Kaplan

Publish date : 2024-12-05 12:41:00

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