The Ice Hockey Tournament of the Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG) is set to begin this Saturday (January 27), and there is a palpable sense of anticipation surrounding the United States team. This time around, they are gearing up to take to the ice with a player who carries a legendary name in the world of hockey – Parker Trottier.
Parker Trottier, aged 15 and turning 16 shortly after the conclusion of Gangwon 2024, is the grandson of NHL legend Bryan Trottier Sr. Bryan Trottier is renowned for his illustrious career, securing six Stanley Cup championships and rightfully earning a place in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Parker is one of four talented players from the esteemed Shattuck St. Mary’s youth hockey program in Minnesota who will be representing the American team at the YOG.
His selection for the team comes following an exceptional season, where he achieved 45 goals and 46 assists in just 59 games. The young forward has continued to display exceptional form in the current season, making him an exciting prospect for the team.
In honour of his grandfather, Parker will be wearing the number 16 shirt, a deviation from his grandfather’s number 19. Bryan’s number 19 was retired by the New York Islanders after he led them to four consecutive Stanley Cup wins. Additionally, Bryan clinched two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Pirates and coached the Colorado Avalanche to victory in the 1981 competition.
Both the men’s and women’s 6-team ice hockey tournaments are scheduled to commence at the Gangneung Hockey Centre on Saturday, culminating in the finals on Wednesday, January 31.
Despite Team USA only securing one gold medal in the previous three Winter Youth Olympic Games, which was at Lillehammer 2016, they are once again setting their sights on victory at Gangwon 2024. With a combination of young talent and a star name like Parker Trottier, the team is certainly aiming for the top podium spot.
The Gangwon 2024 event will continue until February 1st, with over 1,800 athletes from 78 NOCs participating. The Winter Youth Olympic Games will be broadcasted live on television and digital streaming on the Olympic Channel via Olympics.com and the Olympics app. Audiences can also anticipate full session replays and highlights being made available.
Excitement is undeniably mounting for the Winter Youth Olympic Games, particularly as the USA prepares to unleash its promising ice hockey talent at Gangwon 2024, with Parker Trottier at the forefront of the action.