Nugent-Hopkins named to Team North America

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. I think its a little bit of an advantage as far as that, not too much pressure going in.”

Seven players were added to the Team North America roster today, and the Burnaby, BC native is excited for the rare opportunity to compete internationally.

“It’s great,” said Nugent-Hopkins. “It’s a big honour for me and I’m excited to be a part of the group and hopefully I can make a difference for the team.”

Underdogs or not, the six-foot centre admits the tournament won’t be without its challenges.

“I think when you get a group of guys together that don’t usually play together, you’ve got to find a way to mesh right away,” said Nugent-Hopkins. “I mean, there’s a lot of talent on the team, so guys have to pick up different roles and play different roles that they might not be used to. If everybody can kind of accept that, not kind of want to do everything by themselves, then I think we’ll have a good chance.”

It’s an exciting time for the 23-year-old, who, at the end of the Oilers hockey season, made …

continue reading in source oilers.nhl.com