Jillson, Hilbert Called to Ice Action with USA Juniors
1/14/2000 12:00:00 AM | Ice Hockey
Jeff Jillson, Andy Hilbert Called to International Ice Action
By Jason Gerdom, U-M Athletic Media Relations
Two Michigan hockey players have logged enough frequent flier miles to take well-earned vacations at the end of the season.
| | Andy Hilbert made it two straight World Junior Championships with his 2000 trip. |
After spending over eight hours on a plane and a couple more on a bus, the pair reached their home for the holidays in Skelleftea, Sweden. It was there that the best under-20 hockey players in the world gathered for the annual battle to determine the world's best junior team. Representing one's country is an opportunity that few get to share, but those who do appreciate the chance to do so.
"It's one of the greatest honors you can have in any sport," said Jillson.
"It's definitely a lot bigger (than a normal hockey tournament), and you realize how talented everyone is because you are playing against the best players in the world," said Hilbert. "Playing for your country is huge. If you win the game, you get to listen to your national anthem. It's the biggest honor a player can have."
This year, Team USA was comprised of nearly all collegiate players, while most countries draw their participants from professional leagues. As a result, it was a welcome surprise to see Team USA battling Team Canada for the bronze medal, even though its effort came up short.
"Most people didn't really give us a shot at finishing in the top five, let alone playing for a medal," said Jillson.
Jeff Jillson graced the cover of American Hockey Magazine before helping Team USA to the World Junior Championship bronze medal game. | |
"It was our second year, so we played a bigger role on the team this year," said Jillson. "Most of the guys knew each other coming into it, so it was a better experience. I think that showed in the way we played, and I thought we played very well."
"This was really the first year that the development program had a bunch of players on the team. I think it is just going to get bigger and better, especially since playing together for two years with the development program will just help build chemistry for when the team goes to the championships," said Hilbert.
Knowing the other players, however, can be an interesting experience once the team returns to the United States and everyone goes their own way, especially when two of them play for Michigan State, the first team Michigan faced after Jillson and Hilbert returned from their long-distance road trip.
"It was a little bit weird seeing Adam Hall and (John-Michael) Liles out there on the ice (in the opposition's uniforms) and talking with them," said Hilbert. "Three days earlier, we were on a plane coming back after playing on the same team."
Contact: Jason Gerdom (734) 763-4423
