Hockey

U.S. Sled Team Back on Czech Ice Competing Ahead of Worlds


“I think it’ll be a shock to the system for both of us,” Pauls said. “They’re our biggest competition, and I don’t think we would want to really start with anybody else. I think it’s just going to be so much fun to get right into it. There’s no time for nerves, especially for some of our younger and newer guys. I think we’ve always responded pretty well with that.”

Pauls added that the real goal for Team USA isn’t that opening game.

“It’s not about being the best team on day one,” Pauls said. “It’s about being the best team at the end of the tournament, and I think we’re well on our way.”

There’s no question in Farmer’s mind that the U.S. will be the target of the other teams in the tournament.

“Teams do want to knock us off,” Farmer said. “We always are expecting our opponents’ best. We know it’s going to be tough. We’re getting everyone’s best. We’re ready for it.”

Pauls agreed with that assessment.

“Anytime you win a world championship, everybody’s gunning for you,” Pauls said. “You’re the team to beat. Nobody’s won a single game yet because the tournament hasn’t started. We’re all kind of on even footing right now.”

In his third season as head coach of the U.S. national team, David Hoff of Bottineau, North Dakota, said the team continues to improve every year.

“I think the biggest thing is we compete really well, and that’s been kind of our motto here,” Hoff said. “Our competitiveness is what this is all about.”

While Hoff is concentrating on the world championship, he acknowledged that this tournament will set the table for next year’s Paralympic Winter Games.

“You have a short-term view on this, but you also have to have a long-term vision,” Hoff said. “Our focus right now is on where we’re at here.”

Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.





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