US Olympic Hockey Team 2014: Biggest Stars from Men's and Women's Squads
The United States men's and women's hockey teams have been having a lot of success at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, and there are a few players from both teams who have emerged as stars in the process.
The men's team is preparing to take on a tough Canada team in the semifinals, with players like Sidney Crosby and Jonathan Toews looking to take down the Americans before the final game for the gold medal. Meanwhile, the women will be playing against Canada as well, only they will be playing for gold in the final round on Thursday.
With the two teams searching for medals, let's take a look at the biggest stars from both the men's and women's teams.
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Phil Kessel
Heading into Sochi, the biggest question for the men's hockey team was whether or not it could have consistent offensive production.
Players like Phil Kessel have put those worries to rest.
As the right winger for the Toronto Maple Leaves, Kessel has had a great year, racking up 31 goals and 34 assists, ranking fourth in the NHL in total points and second in goals.
At Sochi, Kessel has done much of the same. He leads all players in the Olympics with eight points and is tied for first with five goals.
Many Americans might not have known about Kessel before the Olympics, but given what he's done for Team USA, it's safe to say that he's helped make a name for himself.
Brianna Decker
She may only be 22 years old, but Brianna Decker isn't afraid to step up when the stakes are high, as we've seen this year at Sochi.
With 115 career goals and 129 career assists under her belt at the University of Wisconsin, Decker is a three-time All-American. She was the WCHA Player of the Year during the 2011-12 season as well as the 2012 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award winner.
Given how well she's played in the Olympics, it's easy to see why she has so many college honors.
Decker was a huge part of Team USA's 6-1 quarterfinals win over Sweden. She recorded one goal and two assists along with the highest plus-minus in the game at plus-four to help send her team to the final round.
But that's not all Decker has done at Sochi. Overall, she's had two goals and four assists, making her a key contributor throughout the Olympic Games.
T.J. Oshie
Heroes get remembered, but legends never die. T.J. Oshie has become the latter.
Oshie has been a popular player for the St. Louis Blues over the past few years, and he's had a solid season with them, recording 14 goals and 32 assists. But no one could have predicted that Oshie would become an American hero over the course of a single game.
Team USA had a tough matchup against Russia back on Saturday, with the game going into a shootout after the two sides were tied at 2-2. Due to international rules, Team USA could call upon whomever it wanted after three players went, so coach Dan Bylsma decided to keep calling upon Oshie in the shootout. He ended up draining four of six shootout goals, including the game-winner, to give USA the statement win.
With a big semifinal matchup against Canada looming, we will have to wait and see if he has any more magic in him to help try to lead Team USA to a gold medal.
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