TRAVERSE CITY - The men’s Olympic hockey schedule begins Wednesday, Feb. 11, with three members of the Detroit Red Wings participating in the international tournament.
Red Wings players Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, and Moe Seider will represent Team USA, Team Sweden, and Team Germany, respectively, as they compete on the world stage.
Larkin previously discussed the opportunity to represent the United States during the team’s training camp in Traverse City.“
Any time you get to play for Team USA, it’s special,” Larkin said. “Whether it’s, world championships, you know, even the 4th of July, I enjoy wearing the flag, you know, that’s, proud to be an American.”
Larkin and the American team are looking to build upon their chemistry from the Four Nations Face-Off held last year, which Canada won. The U.S. roster features significant continuity from that event, as 21 of the 25 players selected for the Olympic team also participated in the Four Nations Face-Off.
Forward Raymond is set to represent Team Sweden. He noted that playing in the Olympics carries additional weight for European players who get to perform in front of familiar audiences.
“Olympics is something that even if you’re not the biggest hockey fan, you watch the Olympics,” Raymond said. “It’s a lot, obviously, representing your country on any stage is, is always an honor. But, you know, Olympics makes it even more special. And, you know, in Europe where you get our fans and family and friends come watch it. It’s awesome.”
Raymond and Team Sweden are scheduled to face Italy at 3:10 p.m. tomorrow. Team USA and Larkin will begin play against Latvia at 3:10 p.m. on Thursday.