That includes comprehensive coverage of the United States, which will play Sweden in the bronze-medal game at Scotiabank Centre on Wednesday (2:30 p.m. ET). The United States lost 6-2 in the semifinals to Canada, which will play Czechia for the gold medal on Wednesday.
Longtime NCAA hockey analyst Dave Starman, who will handle the broadcasts along with Stephen Nelson and Jon Rosen, offers his three keys to victory for the United States for the final time of the 11-day tournament.
"The United States did a lot of good things for six games, and on Wednesday, they had their chances," Starman said. "Hot goalies happen, and they ran into one on Wednesday. However, there is still one game to play before the book closes on the 2023 WJC."
Here are Starman's 3 keys to victory for the United States against Sweden:
1. The pride factor
"Winning a medal is important, and there are still general managers, assistant GM's, scouts, and many other NHL personnel who don't want to see the players they drafted lay one up and go home. The United States lost a tough one. They have every reason to be furious that they had two goals called back on plays where they played to their identity -- going hard to the net and owning the crease. Still, this game against Sweden matters to the national office, and for many of the players, it will be their farewell game as an amateur."
2. Goalie situation solved
"Trey Augustine has basically let the world know he is the United States goalie for the next two years, or at least that it will take someone special to beat him out. He had a very good tournament, maturing as it went along, and he earned the trust of the brass."
3. Coaching future
"We've seen repeat coaches for the United States at the WJC in recent years, including Bob Motzko and Nate Leaman, and in my opinion, Rand Pecknold did a tremendous job, as did his staff of Pat Ferschweiler, Reid Cashman, Jared Waimon, and Nick Fohr. This team played solid hockey, they were well disciplined, and they acted in a professional manner. Pecknold and his staff deserve a lot of credit for that. So who will be the next coach of this team? Will Rand return? I believe he earned it if he wanted to coach in one more tournament. That being said, there are a couple of great candidates who have been assistants on this team recently, including Jerry Keefe, Brett Larson, Ferschweiler, Cashman and Fohr. There is a large number of excellent American coaches.
"So, until next time, enjoy the rest of the tournament and the entire hockey season. Thanks for reading."
