The 2024 U.S. Youth Olympic Games men's ice hockey team is firmly in the running to win a gold medal, the U.S. team's goal at international competition.
But head coach Joe Bonnett also wants his 15- and 16-year-olds to gain international experience playing against the world's best athletes of their age.
The U.S. team is scheduled to compete in the 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon Province, South Korea, from Jan. 19 to Feb. 1. The U.S. will make its on-ice debut on Jan. 27 in the preliminary round against Slovakia.
“At the end of the day, this is a youth hockey tournament and obviously there's an expectation of winning a gold medal,” Bonnet said, “but it's also about building relationships and friendships with kids from all over the world in different sports who are the best athletes in their sports. It's going to be a once in a lifetime opportunity for these kids to have that experience.”
The Youth Olympic Games bring together top athletes aged 14 to 18 from over 60 countries to compete in seven sports.
“There's real gold medals on the line, there's a real opening ceremony, it's a real Olympic village,” Bonnet said. “It's a global experience very similar to what adults get to experience, only at a youth level. They want to give kids that experience and ultimately build motivation to go to another Olympic Games.”
In addition to competing, athletes will have the opportunity to take part in cultural and educational programmes aimed at raising awareness of the Olympic values and addressing themes such as skills development, healthy living, social responsibility and expression through digital media.
“Not only are they going to be good teammates, but they're going to be good people on the world stage,” Bonnett said. “This is going to be a once in a lifetime opportunity for these kids, not just in hockey, but in their education.”
Team USA has participated in all three past Winter Youth Olympic Games, placing fourth in 2012, winning a gold medal in 2016 and a silver medal in 2020. Notable past U.S. athletes who have competed in the Youth Olympic Games include Jack Eichel, Catter Gautier, Matthias Samuelsson and Nick Schmaltz.
Bonnett said it's tough to get a group of kids to play well with such a short amount of practice time, but there are a few factors that make it a little easier.
“These kids are playing against each other on a national level now,” he said. “The country has gotten so small in terms of knowing who's out there because of social media. So these kids know each other so well that they'll get on the same page a little quicker, which is a good thing.”
“As soon as we put on the red, white and blue uniform, we become a team,” Bonnett added. “What brings us together is playing for our colors and our country.”
This is Bonnett's first time coaching a Youth Olympic men's hockey team, but he has had successful experience as an assistant coach with the U.S. Under-17 teams that won the Five Nations Tournament in 2017 and 2003. He currently works full time as a player development manager for the United States Hockey Association.
His three assistant coaches also bring a wealth of experience: Matt Gilroy is an assistant with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, Jason Guerriero is an assistant with the Northeastern University men's hockey team and Dave Caruso is senior director of the Columbus Blue Jackets amateur hockey program.
“I have a great staff and I think we've got the balance right, providing enough structure to hold the team accountable while still allowing the talented kids to play and thrive,” Bonnett said. “We're going to provide structure and age-appropriate instruction, but we're also going to let the kids have fun.”
Bonnett said the most fun part of his job so far was calling the 17 players on the roster for the upcoming tournament.
“Anyone who thinks kids aren't grateful is so wrong,” Bonnet said. “Some of the kids had tears in their eyes and were so emotional. To see them grow physically and mentally…we're in the middle of their growth, and I know this is going to be a great learning experience all around.”
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