By @MichaelCaples –
For the upcoming World Cup of Hockey, there will be a team comprised of the top players under the age of 23.
Dylan Larkin and Connor Hellebuyck will be on that team.
The initial roster for ‘Team North America’ – an all-star team formed of the top youngsters from the U.S. and Canada – was announced today, and Larkin and Hellebuyck will represent the state of Michigan on the roster.
North American-born players under the age of 23 were not eligible for their respective countries, meaning the two Michigan natives could not play for Team USA in the tournament.
Larkin, 19, is having a tremendous rookie season with the Red Wings after turning pro last summer. The Belle Tire, NTDP and University of Michigan product has recorded 19 goals and 20 assists for 39 points in 61 NHL games this year. He has also played to a plus-21 rating overall.
Hellebuyck, a Winnipeg Jets draftee, has played in 26 NHL games this year, posting a 13-11-1 record with a 2.34 goals-against average and .918 save percentage. The Commerce native has split time between Winnipeg and St. John’s IceCaps of the AHL.
Now that’s a look fit for hockey’s rising stars. Here are the Team North America uniforms from @adidas. #WCH2016 pic.twitter.com/OrKsW388PH
— NHL (@NHL) March 2, 2016