They might be considered the underdogs of the tournament.
A young group of 23 players, aged 23 or younger, comprised of Canadian and American skaters, will suit up for Team North America at the World Cup of Hockey 2016 in Toronto this September.
Among the group of youngsters named to the team’s final roster on Friday is Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who sees their potential underdog status as an advantage.
“We don’t go [into the tournament] with too much pressure,” he explained. “I think it’s still a pretty solid team, some guys have experience in the league and what-not, [and there’s] the energetic youth for sure.