While they may lack experience, Team North America surely doesn't lack confidence.
The team, comprised of players age 23 and younger from Canada and the United States, will enter next month's World Cup of Hockey as one of the unlikely squads to capture the title, but don't tell that to the players.
"There is a lot of speed and a lot of talent on our team," Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad said, according to NHL.com's Mike Brophy. "I think it all comes down to how we jell as a team led by (coach) Todd McLellan (Edmonton Oilers) and the rest of the coaching staff. I think we'll do fine."
The team will enter the tournament with five of the past six No. 1 draft picks, most notably Oilers standout Connor McDavid, who shares the same confidence as Ekblad, suggesting the team shouldn't be ruled out.
"It's exciting," McDavid said. "There are a lot of good young players that have a lot of speed and skill. I think we have the ability to surprise some teams.
"We haven't been all together yet. But in talking with some of the guys, I think everyone has a quiet confidence. At the same time, I think we all understand we're the young bucks, the young guys, and nobody is really expecting too much from us. We'll see how it goes, but I think everyone is excited."
Team North America will get their first chance to prove their might when they open the tournament on Sept. 18 against Finland.
