Team USA Wins Gold At 2013 WJC. Mandatory Credit: Yuri Kuzmin/KHL via Associated Press.

“They inspired a nation,” Team USA head coach Phil Housley said shortly after team USA clinched gold this morning at the 2013 U-20 World Junior Championships in Ufa, Russia behind two goals from forward Rocco Grimaldi and that allowed team USA to hold on and defeat Sweden 3-1. Housley went on to say, “We’re bringing home the gold guys,” and that you are Phil, that you are.

While saying this team inspired a nation may be a bit of a stretch, one can’t deny that recent success by American hockey teams in international play and NHL expansion throughout the States has led to a growth of American-born hockey players that are highly skilled. 14 states are represented on this years roster and even Globe and Mail writer James Mirtle relents that hockey fans around the world should get used to seeing consistently competitive and talented American squads at all levels.

Getting back to this years squad, goaltender John Gibson who is property of the Anaheim Ducks, was named MVP and he deserved it as he was the Americans best player throughout the tournament. He was the calming force that allowed team USA’s confidence to grow. Many of his saves were of the spectacular variety and were almost always timely. A well deserved MVP award and an even sweeter gold medal for Gibson.

On defense, Jacob Trouba who was drafted by the Winnipeg Jets, was easily the best blue-liner for team USA. He was an absolute beast in his own end and showed an offensive output that saw him put up a bunch of points. He’ll be a player to keep an eye on once he reaches the big leagues. Also, the defense combined with Gibson were the obvious strength of team USA.

On offense, Calgary Flames prospect and current Boston College Eagle, Johnny “Hockey” Gaudreau was the most dangerous threat for team USA down the stretch. His hands were sweet, his passes precise and he just took over games at times. He was real fun to watch, especially in the medal rounds. Montreal Canadiens recent 3rd overall pick Alex Galchenyuk, started off hot for team USA but cooled however he’s always a threat when he has the puck and he continually found the score sheet even when struggling. Once he gets a little stronger he will be a force in the NHL.

Sweden takes home the silver a year after winning the gold and Russia receives the bronze after defeating a stacked, yet disappointing Canadian squad in overtime. It’s the first time since 1998 that team Canada failed to medal, an impressive run by the Canadians who have little, if anything to be ashamed of when it comes to the sport of hockey.

All around a big win for the Americans and the USA Hockey program. As always it was a fun tournament to watch and I can’t wait for next year’s tournament in Sweden.

It was fun to have live, competitive hockey on my television once again that I could be passionate about. Hopefully the NHL was watching and remembers hockey is a lot more fun to watch on the ice and not in board rooms and court rooms.

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Alex Galchenyuyk had a goal and two assists and was named player of the game for USA as the American team defeated Germany 8-0 in game six of the 2013 IIHF World Junior Championships.

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Team USA defenseman Seth Jones. Mandatory Credit: HHOF-IIHF Images

On the heels of Hockey Canada’s announcement of their 2013 WJC selection camp roster on Monday, USA Hockey announced their preliminary roster for the tournament on Tuesday. Other countries such as Russia, Sweden and the Czech Republic have done the same as teams must have their final rosters submitted to the IIHF by December 25th as the tournament starts on the 26th in Ufa, Russia.

27 players were invited to the camp, 3 goalies, 15 forwards and 9 defenseman. 13 states are represented amongst the 27 players as well as 9 NHL clubs and 8 of the players were first round picks by their respective clubs.

Only 3 players return from last years squad that finished in a very disappointing 7th place and those players are goalie John Gibson, defenseman Jacob Trouba and forward JT Miller.

There is also two potential first round draft picks in defenseman Seth Jones (a consensus top 5 pick) and forward Ryan Hartman. Off the top of my head I can’t think of any snubs but feel free to let me know if you think someone is missing by letting me know in the comments section below.

The Team USA preliminary roster is as follows:

GOALIES

John Gibson – OHL Kitchener Rangers (Anaheim Ducks)

Jon Gillies – HE Providence College (Calgary Flames)

Garret Sparks – OHL Guelph Storm (Toronto Maple Leafs)

DEFENSEMEN

Shayne Gostisbehere – ECAC Union College (Philadelphia Flyers)

Matt Grzelcyk – HE Boston University (Boston Bruins)

Seth Jones – WHL Portland Winterhawks (2013 NHL Entry Draft eligible)

Jake McCabe – WCHA University of Wisconsin (Buffalo Sabres)

Connor Murphy – OHL Sarnia String (Phoenix Coyotes)

Mike Reilly – WCHA University of Minnesota (Columbus Blue Jackets)

Patrick Sieloff – OHL Windsor Spitfires (Calgary Flames)

Brady Skjei – WCHA University of Minnesota (New York Rangers)

Jacob Trouba – CCHA University of Michigan (Winnipeg Jets)

FORWARDS

Cole Bardreau – ECAC Cornell University (Unsigned)

Riley Barber – CCHA Miami University (Washington Capitals)

Tyler Biggs – OHL Oshawa Generals (Toronto Maple Leafs)

Alex Galchenyuk – OHL Sarnia Sting (Montreal Canadiens)

John Gaudreau – HE Boston College (Calgary Flames)

Rocco Grimaldi – WCHA University of North Dakota WCHA (Florida Panthers)

Ryan Hartman – OHL Plymouth Whalers (2013 NHL Entry Draft eligible)

Sean Kuraly – CCHA Miami University (San Jose Sharks)

Mario Lucia – CCHA University of Notre Dame (Minnesota Wild)

Stefan Matteau – QMJHL Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (New Jersey Devils)

J.T. Miller – AHL Connecticut Whale (New York Rangers)

Stefan Noesen – OHL Plymouth Whalers (Ottawa Senators)

Blake Pietila -WCHA Michigan State University, WCHA (New Jersey Devils)

Vince Trocheck – OHL Saginaw Spirit (Florida Panthers)

Jimmy Vesey – ECAC Harvard University (Nashville Predators)

Team USA’s camp will run December 16th though the 18th at the New York Rangers’ practice facility in Greenough, NY and a skating session or two may be held at Madison Square Garden. After that the camp will relocate to Helsinki, Finland from December 19th to the 23rd. In addition to practices in Finland, Team USA will have exhibition games against Sweden and Finland.

The head coach for the Americans will be former NHL defenseman, Phil Housley, who was a 7 time NHL all-star and represented the United States 11 times throughout his playing career. At the time of Housley’s retirement from the NHL, he was the NHL’s all time leader in points and games by an American-born player. Mike Modano passed Housley as the all time points leader in 2007. Housley was also an assistant coach for Team USA when they won gold at the 2010 WJC.

The Americans are in Group B which includes such powerhouses as Russia and Canada, so while it will be a tough road for Team USA, it will not be an impossible one. A medal is very much a possibility and I expect this team to improve on the 7th place finish from last years tournament, which was the worst America has done in the WJC since 1999 when they finished 8th overall. Go get’em boys.