USA Hockey Practice Begins for Beecher, York
12/17/2019 2:57:00 PM | Ice Hockey
PLYMOUTH, Mich. -- University of Michigan ice hockey players Johnny Beecher and Cam York are among 29 players competing for spots on the USA Hockey World Junior roster.
The players and staff arrived in Plymouth, Michigan, on Sunday (Dec. 15). The first full day of team activities began on Monday (Dec. 16), including two on-ice skates.
"Practice has been great," Beecher said after Monday afternoon's practice. "It's really high-paced, and everyone is having a ton of fun out there. The guys are getting along very well. Most of us have played together before, so there is still some good chemistry on and off the ice, and it's great to see the boys again."
The team held practice on Tuesday morning (Dec. 17) and will play a controlled scrimmage against the National Team Development Program (NTDP) U18 team at 4 p.m. at the USA Hockey Arena.
York leads Michigan with nine points on four goals and five assists. Four of his points have come on the power-play with a game-winning goal and 18 blocked shots. Drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers 14th overall in the NHL's Entry Draft in June, York has played in two under-18 Men's World Championships, claiming silver in 2018 and bronze in 2019. Last year, he set the all-time tournament record for career assists by a defenseman with 13, and total points by a defenseman with 17. York was named to the All-Star Team of both tournaments.
Beecher is tied with York as the leading scorer for Michigan. He has a team-high five goals and adds four assists, has tallied two game-winners, and has won 54.4 percent of his faceoffs (147-123).
He played in the 2019 IIFH under-18 Men's World Championship, capturing bronze. He was named the US Player of the Game in a preliminary contest versus Latvia with two goals and had another two-point game versus Sweden in the prelims along with scoring the game-winning goal.
Beecher was selected 30th overall in the NHL Entry Draft by the Boston Bruins.
The Tournament
• The 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship will take place in Ostrava and Trinec, Czech Republic, from Dec. 26, 2019-Jan. 5, 2020.
• USA Hockey expects to name its final 23-player roster for the event by Dec. 24.
USA History at World Juniors
• The U.S. has medaled at each of the last four World Juniors (silver in 2019, gold in 2017 and bronze in 2016 and 2018).
• Team USA has claimed 12 total medals, including four gold (2017, 2013, 2010, 2004), two silver (2019, 1997) and six bronze (2018, 2016, 2011, 2007, 1992, 1986).
Michigan's History at World Juniors
• Michigan has had 49 different players compete at the World Junior Champions (41 Americans, seven Canadians and one Swede).
• Three players have competed in three World Juniors (Ryan Sittler in 1992-94; Andy Hilbert in 1999-2001) and Jason Botterill (1994-96).
• Twenty-nine medals have been won by Wolverines, including: 12 gold, seven silver and 10 bronze.
Team USA Schedule
All times Eastern
• Sunday, Dec. 22 -- vs. Sweden, noon (pre-tournament scrimmage)
• Monday, Dec. 23 -- vs. Germany, 11 a.m. (pre-tournament scrimmage)
• Thursday, Dec. 26 -- vs. Canada, 1 p.m. (TV: NHL Network)
• Friday, Dec. 27 -- vs. Germany, 1 p.m. (TV: NHL Network)
• Sunday, Dec. 29 -- vs. Russia, 1 p.m. (TV: NHL Network)
• Monday, Dec. 30 -- vs. Czech Republic, 1 p.m. (TV: NHL Network)
• Thursday, Jan. 2 -- Quarterfinals (6:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m.; TV: NHL Network)
• Saturday, Jan. 4 -- Semifinals (9 a.m., 1 p.m.; TV: NHL Network)
• Sunday, Jan. 5 -- Bronze Medal Game (9 a.m.; TV: NHL Network)
• Sunday, Jan. 5 -- Gold Medal Game (1 p.m.; TV: NHL Network)
