“I couldn’t even explain what it would be like to represent the United States,” said Mason, who refelected on his dad’s accomplishments in Vancouver. “With my dad wearing the ‘C’ in 2010 and winning the silver medal, and just within the family, and what it would be like to wear the USA across my chest, I couldn’t even explain what that would be like.”
Even though Jackson would be representing a different country than his dad, the opportunity to play for something bigger than yourself is one that he wants to take advantage of.
“He said he loved it, and it was a really cool experience for him,” he said. “He wants me to have the same experience.”
Nieuwendyk describes himself as a shifty, two-way player while Langenbrunner is a self-described puck-moving defenseman who can jump up into the play when needed. Battling for two slots on a 22-man team, neither player wants to take this opportunity for granted.
“My dad told me it’s such an honor to wear the USA across your chest,” said Mason. “There’s nothing like it.”
