After playing hockey until mid-May in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, five Dallas Stars will see their summer vacations further abbreviated by the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
Aleš Hemský is one of those who will play for their nations in September, and he offered some perspective to Mark Stepneski on the importance of these international tournaments to international players:
"...For European guys it is always special when you can play for your home country," Hemsky said. "That's how we grew up. That's why we go for the World Championship and any tournament we have a chance to go; we are proud to represent, and it's huge in the home country.