Trivia word: Gritty


Independent Russia isn't my original IIHF country. My OG team was the USA. I ended up switching for a few reasons. I didn't think I'd end up getting play time on Team USA, which was a big factor in switching my team. The main reason I switched teams to Independent Russia however, was because I took up the role of Fed Head after the last one stepped down. If I had the chance to get guaranteed play time on Team USA, I'd still switch to Independent Russia because I love my job. It's great to meet new players and I love talking in our locker room. Hopefully, I can bring us a medal this season!

I think this year is the year that Independent Russia gets a medal under my lead. I've made some good additions that fill in our weaknesses (Including finally having a full 12 forwards), and I think we really have a chance this year. We have a lot of young players stepping up and filling the shoes of long inactive vets, the locker room is more alive than when I started and we have some depth players growing and progressing a lot. Overall for the entire tournament, I think Troy McClure will lead Czechia to a gold medal. He's a great GM and I think he's done a ton of work to improve the team. Taking home silver I have team Canada. They're always a strong team, but I think they'll fall short of gold this year and lose in the finals. The bronze medal will hopefully go to Independent Russia, although even just making the playoffs this year will be a huge success.

TOTAL TPE: 8