Team USA looking for Gold in WJC [2/2]

[ShawnGlade 1,007]

The S62 WJC ice an amazing team, with the likes of Ismond Kingfisher, Dan Montgomery, and Shawn Glade just to throw out a few names. However, the Americans were heavily outplayed by a strong Canadian team, and had to settle on third place, earning a bronze medal. Team USA lost a few key members of that bronze medal team, such as Montgomery and Kingfisher. However to the surprise of many, a WJC was announced for S63. After last season's disappointing finish, GM ShawnGlade was given another chance at the helm of Team USA, and swiftly got to work naming the roster for Team USA that will try and better their performance from last tournament. So, how does their lineup shake out?

 

Forwards:

Jose Gonzalez - Chance Matthews - King Gow

Anderson LaVey - Curtis Gary - Jack Stucky

Jack Lockwood - Hunter Kidd - Wolf Edmunds

 

If there's a weak spot on this team, the forward core is definitely it. The first line is solid with a few top VHLM players in Jose Gonzalez and Chance Matthews. Both have enjoyed successful VHLM careers, as well as RW King Gow, who was able to grow playing on the 21st in S62. The top line will have to play the most minutes by a long shot, seeing as the bottom two lines leave much to be desired. Speaking of which, Anderson LaVey is more or less the lone bright spot on that second line, boasting a very respectable VHLM career. He will most likely be the driving force of the line, and could potentially see some first line minutes if the going gets tough. However, the third line is not half bad. Hunter Kidd is still producing very good numbers on Halifax this season, and Wolf Edmunds is still a respectable player who will most likely play sheltered minutes. It's not any secret that GM Shawn likes to play around with lines and try new things, so the lines are uncertain going forward, but we think this is a good projection of what they'll look like at the start.

 

Defense:

Shawn Glade - Sydney Crosby

Ryan Sullivan Jr - Eric Parker

 

Holy. Shit. After seeing the weakened forward core, this defense  core (almost) makes up for it. This may actually be the best Top-4 in the entire tourney, and I'm willing to GUARANTEE that the Glade-Crosby pair is the best in the entire tournament. Looking at that top pair, we have the two top rookie defensemen in the VHL. That's right folks, these guys are putting up dominant points in the big boy league as ROOKIES. Both involved in the Titans/Reign rivalry, they've been compared to each other much of this season, but now must put aside their differences and arguably be the leading force for the Americans. On the 2nd pairing the players remain strong. Ryan Sullivan Jr is a star in the making and he's complimented by the uber-defensive wall in Eric Parker. Much like the forwards however, we may see the Glade - Crosby line split up if things get out of hand, so we might want to keep our eyes peeled.

 

Goalies:

Cole Mertz

Rhett Stoffiday

 

Oh boy. Both goalies have been involved in the ongoing Yukon/Halifax rivalry at the top of the VHLM standings this season. Cole from the Halifax side has been enjoying a career season, on course to push Halifax to their second consecutive 1st seed finish. On the other hand, Rhett Stoffiday is leading Yukon to the promise land. They've come back from an embarassing tank season where they nabbed the first overall pick in the draft. Stoffiday may just be the goalie the Rush need to take down the powerhouse 21st. Both being starting goalies, Mertz and Stoffiday also must put their rivalry aside for the good of the USA. It's not sure who will be the starter, but the rumors have been that both will get starts in the round robin before a decision is made for the medal round. When asked about the goalies, GM Shawn was quoted saying, "I'm excited to see them split the net, it'll be a treat to watch them compete for the starting job and I think they can both earn it."

 

700

[Sova 53]

Review: I really like this article giving some insight into to qualities and weaknesses of the US roster. The more informal tone of the article does not impact its quality but it is something to keep in mind whether it is on purpose or not it might be a great stylistic device.  I really enjoyed reading this article and I think so have most others.