An hour before practice, players were making plans to watch the North American clash together. The buzz that engulfed the hockey world Jan. 4 was tangible inside the University of Denver facility, with a personal touch.
DU teammate Sean Behrens was competing for Team USA in the highly anticipated World Junior Championship semifinal against Canada.
“He’s been fun to watch there,” said DU captain Justin Lee, a Manitoba native.
“But …” Lee paused. “I’ve gotta cheer for Canada here tonight.”
OK, how about polling another Canadian in the room?
“I want Sean to do good,” fellow blueliner Mike Benning said.