I'm embarrassed by team USA, I didn't think they were a strong contender for gold but the politics of USA hockey, once again need to be addressed, there is zero reason for guys like Archibald/Tynan etc on this team, to many small similar player that lack skill. I was dumbfounded that Tyler Biggs was left off.
The Prince fanboys however, can spare me. he wouldn't make much difference.
I can only speak about the players that I've actually seen play numerous times and then cross-reference against some of the players for other countries...so here goes...
Shane Prince is at least a top 6 player on any team in the WJHC.
If you think he doesn't belong then please submit your resume to USA Hockey, I'm sure they will like your analysis!
Jack Campbell and John Gibson: I have Gibson ahead of Campbell and not by a little.
Don't let one bad game mislead you. I think the error that USA Hockey made was annoiting both players without any competition.
I would've invited Michael Houser and Matt Mahalik to battle them at the December camp.
Jared Tinordi: if he was your best defenceman then IMHO your d-corps was in trouble before the tourney started.
Austin Levi while not a flashing is just a type of player to build a solid d-corps around. Having him paired with Tinordi would be a great 2 or 3 pairing of d-men.
Stefan Noesen: great mucker with offensive upside and very consistent and would have been a great addition.
Brandon Saad: Mr. Super Inconsistency, one good week for every 3 bad weeks.
He needed his buttons pushed the right way. When on, he would be a first team WJHC all-star but......
Jared Knight: If Blais could have lit a fire under his players, what Knight brings could be duplicated.
But Knight is very very self-motivated and driven...he could have infected the other players. He may have been the ideal line-mate for Saad!!
^^ most if not all of those players would've made Team Canada.
How Team USA leave these players off their team is totally baffling.
But the biggest ommission is not involving
Mike Vellucci, as a Canadian I hope and pray they never ever involve him!
American Dream....not sure if i ever said this but you're one of my favourite posters on here....you're a darn straight shooter without blinders!!!
For Canadians sake, i hope USA Hockey never reads your posts!