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***Scrufdaddy*** · 07-15-2020, 01:46 AM

Hello fellow Americans,

You all know what time it is, another late-night-right-before-play-starts roster media! I come to you today as the Team USA Federation Head in my eighth season at the helm. As always, I'm joined by the true American @FuzzSHL as my Co-Head! We are excited to reveal the glorius roster we have reporting for S54 international play as the defending champs.

To start with the elephant in the room, this is the retirement run for the insanely tenured American veteran Joe Kurczewski (just when I'm learning how to spell it). He holds the record for most gold medals by an individual skater and we're looking to add another one to his shelf before it closes off. We've seen it a couple times where an American legend is retiring and the team plays with some extra special mojo. Well, I don't think you can find a bigger supply of retirement mojo than a veteran of 24 previous IIHF tournaments.

Fuzz and I reached out to a handful of players that have been a part of his USA career to hear what they had to say about Joe K. (It was very short notice and half his career happened before we joined the site so we certainly missed some people. If you read this and want to add a quote from your skater, please DM me and I'll collect them in the placeholder comment.)

Usa

"As a kid I watched Joe play on TV. I knew from watching him I wanted to play hockey in the SHL. Many years later I found myself living the dream and playing alongside my childhood hero. Joe has been a class act for as long as I have known him. I can say that I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it weren’t for him. Thank you Joe." - Nic Williams

"I've been playing with Joe since s45 in Edmonton. It was weird because he was the new guy and I wasn't, but I quickly saw how skilled he was and how hard he works to get to where he is. He is a champion and it's awesome to see him finally lift the cup with his own team that he created, as awesome as it was to win gold these past couple seasons with him. You still see the drive, he wants to win and will go down as one of the best players to play the game" - Aleister Cain

"Joe was great player and teammate and will be missed by team USA. I will miss him in his retirement and I wish him well." - Lil Manius

"Joe was a mentor from day 1. On the ice, no one knew more of the game than Joe did. In practice he was always helping the young guns, myself included, and I'm not sure Team USA will ever be the same without him." - Michael Fox

"Yeah, he was alright I guess. Kind of old, kind of intense, mumbling something about back in his day. I've been there for half his medals so I'm already halfway there to kicking his ass." - Slip McScruff

Usa

Now onto our regularly scheduled roster post. We had three players that didn't report to camp, so there's a bit of rotation here. I'd like to thank Cameron Carter II, Nickey Pedersen Jr, and Cal Clucker for their service. JODAN and Pedersen Jr were big roster pieces in our recent string of successes. In fact, my first gold medal as the head came in S50 in double overtime on a goal from Pedersen Jr with assists by Joe K and CC2. Cal Clucker unfortunately disappeared before his prime at a time when we are searching for that next talented defensive prospect.

Replacing these pieces, we are excited to announce the following rising S50 studs joining the USA roster in no particular order:

(S50) Phineas Gold @Z0REM Rage

The only thing more consistent than USA dominance is Phineas Gold chiming in every offseason with a "Put me in coach". God damn am I so glad to finally shut him up reward his dedication and patience with a well earned roster spot. Gold notched 14 goals and 13 assists in the SHL this season, but you can tell he was trying to get my attention with the 80 hits, leading forwards on Manhattan. I can't wait to see what fire he brings to international ice.

(S50) Bobby Lane @Rich Stars

It's not everyday that you get to take a Ryan Jesster winning prospect and give them another rookie showing. Bobby Lane has been a shining star of the Toronto North Stars, notching 18 of their 101 goals this season and getting an assist on 23 more. Responsible and disciplined, you can't ask for much more when filling your lineup.

(S50) Joseph Weston @ACapitalChicago Dragons

You may notice that we are bringing in three forwards to replace two forwards and a defenseman. While we needed to fill a spot on the blueline, we found that our defensive prospects are still focusing on perfecting WJC / SMJHL level hockey and we couldn't pass up on our hungry forward prospects who are IIHF ready. We are putting our money on Joseph Weston to rise to the task and play out of position in this coming tourney. He's got a solid defensive mind and we trust he'll keep us safe on the blueline while bringing the kind of offensive flair that you get with a talented sniper.

Usa