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2005 USJDP European Selects Tour Recap
Three Nations Ice Hockey Tournament
Romanshorn, Switzerland
Returning to Zug after a 3 year absence, and loaded with two deep teams,
the Selects traveled to Zug and Romanshorn to compete in some friendly
games and tournaments with the Red Team pacing the Tour with a third
place finish in the Three Nations Ice Hockey Tournament. After an unfortunate
bout with the stomach flu forcing 6 players to sit out the consolation
game, the team rallied for a strong third place finish with a full squad
later that day. However, when a 6-3 loss during a re-match later that
week with the tournament champions, and reigning Swiss National Champions,
from EV Zug lead to only the teams second loss of the trip, it made for
some wider spread speculation on the possible championship game had the
flu not hit so hard.
The Selects will be returning to Romanshorn in 2006 to avenge this loss.
Good luck to the next team!
While the Red Team was touring Romanshorn and northern Switzerland, the
Black Team, stacked with AAA players from across the US, competed against
some of the top Junior Elite teams from southern Switzerland including
EV Zug, Zurich, Visp, Thurgau, and Ambri-Biasca. Two one goal losses,
2 ties and a lopsided loss to the reigning National Champions from EV
Zug, led to a frustrating trip for players and coaches alike. Reviewing
the roster leading up to the trip and seeing nothing but AAA and AA payers
from across the us, the coaching staff was very optimistic about the
possibilities of this years tour. However, as they quickly learned, the
talent being produced by the small European country is on par with the
top talent from across the globe and gave the Americans all they could
handle.
To finish off a great tour, the Selects and families were invited by
EV Zug President/GM Patrick Lengwiler to attend a EV Zug professional
game in Kloten as his guest. It was a great game, another win by EV Zug,
and a great way to finish a great tour for all involved.
