After a busy few days for the Utah Mammoth, it is time for America to celebrate its Independence Day! We all will trade our work attire for a t-shirt and shorts, while we grill and some of us enjoy adult beverages responsibly. Although Bill Armstrong and his staff made some fireworks in free agency, enjoy some more traditional fireworks this evening, unless you have a dog.
Although baseball is traditionally said to be our nation's pastime and American football is currently the most popular, USA hockey has taken a giant step. Some of the best players in the NHL are from our country, and the national team has had recent success. The Americans took the gold in the World Junior Championship. In the 4 Nations Tournament, the USA finished second, losing to Canada in overtime. In the Hockey World Championship, the USA took home the gold with an overtime goal by Buffalo Sabres' Tage Thompson.
At the time of the tournament, the Mammoth had four representatives in Josh Doan, Michael Kesselring, Logan Cooley, and the captain of the squad, Clayton Keller.
In addition to these players, Utah has many players from our great country. Nick Schmaltz(WI), Ian Cole(MI), and John Marino(MA) all hail from the States. Two new additions to the Mammoth roster are American, Nate Schmidt(MN) and Scott Perunovich(MN).
The 1980 miracle team will forever be the pride of USA hockey, but this country and sport have a bright future with great players developing right here in Utah. The Olympics will be played next winter, and it will be exciting to watch the team and to see if guys like Keller and Cooley can make the squad.
So enjoy your traditions for the holiday, and remember what this day is about in history. Hockey will be here before you know it, and it is a big year for Utah and USA hockey!