Bill Guerin, who will serve as Team USA’s general manager for the 2026 Four Nations Tournament and Olympics, has made it abundantly clear that there is a need for American stars to represent their country at the World Hockey Championship in the Czech Republic in May.
“I think it’s important for guys to go,” Guerin, who is the general manager of the Minnesota Wild, told The Athletic. “Sure, there are guys who are going to go to the Olympics and the Tournament of Four. But there are also guys who are on the edge. If they haven’t played in the playoffs or meaningful games in a long time — or ever — I want to see them perform. So in that regard, I think the World Cup is extremely important.”
The World Championship, which takes place from May 10 to 26 in Prague and Ostrava, will be out of play for players whose teams advance to the playoffs.
Guerin understands that this and various other reasons will prevent some players from participating in the event, but he wants to see a strong American participation however possible.
“I want to see determination, and if a holiday in the Caribbean is more important than the World Cup, then you don’t have the determination we need,” Guerin added bluntly. “Our roster is strong now. We’re trying to put the best team we can on the ice. But we also want guys who are committed. I understand when guys get married, have kids, get injured. But other reasons I don’t take much.’
The United States has finished fourth at the world championships in each of the past two years after taking bronze in 2021.
The last time the Americans won gold in this event was in 1960, when the World Cup was considered part of the Olympic Games. That was also the last time Team USA reached the finals.
In recent history, the Americans have fared better in the Olympic tournament. While the team finished off the podium at the 2014 Olympics, when NHL players last competed, the United States won silver at the Vancouver 2010 and Salt Lake City 2002 games.
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