Why Coyle Didn't Play

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"I wanted to give all I had... I got a few shifts at the end but it was too late."

That from USA forward Charlie Coyle after his team's 5-2 loss on Friday night which basically eliminated his nation from the 2012 WJC. Unfortunately for the top line player, he was stapled to the bench for most of the game and unable to contribute much to his club's effort.

The reason why follows...

USA Thumps Denmark 11-3

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If hockey was a 20 minute game then Denmark would have been please but USA built on a 3-2 1st period lead and trounced the European underdog by an 11-3 final score. The Danes kept it interesting for a period but couldn't keep up with the bigger, faster and more talented Americans who eventually won the game on cruise control.

Game story and post game comments from players and head coach Dean Blais after the jump.

USA Tunes Up on Switzerland

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A night after being doubled up on by Russia, the United States rebounded to paste Switzerland 7-3 in 2012 WJC exhibition action in Camrose on Wednesday night. Brandon Saad's 5-point effort led the Americans to the convincing win on the eve before USA Hockey makes its final cuts in advance of the event beginning on Boxing Day.

The Pipeline Show was in attendance and spoke with several players and coach Blais after the contest.

USA Camp News & Notes

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I had the opportunity on Monday to drive out to Camrose to take in most of team USA's practice and speak with a handful of players as well as head coach Dean Blais. While I was there I ran into frequent TPS guest Dave Starman who will be handling the colour analyst duties for the American coverage of the tournament being shown on the NHL network south of the border.

The practice was entertaining and informative all at once. No surprise but this is a team that is going to demand respect once the 2012 WJC gets underway. Here are some notes and thoughts I had plus some insight from the day in Camrose.

Another former Gopher Joins The Mavericks

Dean Blais has added another one time Minnesota Golden Gopher coach to his his bench, as Mike Guenztal has joined the Nebraska-Omaha coaching staff. He joins Mike Hastings who was at U of M for one season before hooking up with the Mavs.

Guenztal patrolled the Gopher Bench for 14 years as an assistant before becoming the head coach and G.M. of Des Moines of the USHL last year. Current Mavs bench boss Dean Blais played 2 years for the Gophers in the 70's and all 3 will get to see their former school quite a bit this year as the Mavericks are joining the WCHA.

Top 5 Tuesday: Canada Vs. USA storylines

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We're hours away from the gold medal border battle between Canada and the United States at the World Junior Championship, so today on Top 5 Tuesday we'll take a look at 5 things to watch out for.