Hughes, Norris Bring Experience, Optimism to 2019 World Juniors Tournament
12/17/2018 4:10:00 PM | Ice Hockey, Features
When asked about the keys to success in a short-term competition, those involved with Team USA's National Junior Team -- players, coaches or staff -- give answers that share a common theme.
Coming together quickly. Gelling as a team. One team, one goal.
This year, the team chemistry started Friday (Dec. 14) at the pre-tournament camp in Everett, Washington, where two University of Michigan ice hockey players put on the Stars and Stripes again as they are part of the preliminary roster for the 2019 U.S. National Junior Team.
Quinn Hughes and Josh Norris won bronze last year for Team USA in the 2018Â IIHF World Juniors Championship in Buffalo, New York. But this year, the duo has bigger goals in mind.Â
"Last year, we ran into a tough Slovakia team, but thought we had a good tournament overall," said Norris about last year's tournament. "We know with the talent that we have, everyone will be gunning for us and will give us their best every night. We need to make sure we come together and be prepared to be the best that we can be."
Norris and Hughes join a list of some of the best players in the game, including Auston Matthews and Patrick Kane, to have worn the Red, White and Blue during IIHF World Juniors.
"It's definitely a huge honor to represent my country," Norris said. "I was fortunate enough to do it last year, and it's an honor to do it again this year"
Beyond their time at the tournament last year, Hughes and Norris have been fortunate enough to represent their country on several occasions. The pair are products of the United States National Team Development Program, having joined in 2015, and Hughes also was the lone collegian to participate in the 2018 IIHF World Championship this past spring.
"Any time you put on the USA crest, it's obviously special. I think for the World Juniors it's even another notch above that, because it's such a popular tournament, and the history that has gone into that tournament," Hughes said.
Team USA has medaled in three straight World Junior Championship tournaments for the first time after it earned gold in 2017 and bronze in 2016 and 2018. In total, Team USA has won a medal in six of the last nine IIHF World Junior Championship events, earning gold in 2010, 2013 and 2017, and bronze in 2011, 2016 and 2018.
This year's tournament will be held in Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia, with the locales holding special meaning for both players. In the 1990 tournament, Norris' father, Dwayne Norris, wore the maple leaf on his chest and scored the game-winning goal to give Canada a gold medal.
"We spoke a little about [playing in the same tournament], and, obviously, with him playing in the tournament 30 years ago and myself now, it's definitely crazy that it's happening," Norris said. "My dad told me that some of the best memories of his career were from this tournament and the bonds he made with those guys. I'm very fortunate for the opportunity, and I'm definitely really looking forward to it."
For Hughes, who was selected seventh overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, is looking forward to playing in front of B.C. fans, both with the junior national team and the Canucks.
"I'm excited that it is in Vancouver, and to show that fan base what I can do," Hughes said. "But the main thing is being on USA Hockey, trying to build this group here and to try to win a gold medal."
But those are not the only things that Hughes is looking forward to.
"My brother (Jack) is going to be going this year, which I'm really excited about," said Hughes. "We've got a good group of guys going and a really skilled team, so it's all really exciting."
Though proud to have been able to wear the Stars and Stripes last year, Hughes and Norris were not satisfied with the bronze-medal outcome. They are eager to start playing and seek to complete their time in the tournament by capturing a gold medal for Team USA.
