COLUMBUS –
But one thing set the tone right away, and that was the building.
Nationwide Arena had a special vibe on Friday night, one which elicited memories of the Stanley Cup playoffs two springs ago and reminded us how the place can really rumble when it wants to. It had been 12 years since Columbus last hosted a World Cup of Hockey game (fittingly, also the last time the city hosted Team USA’s training camp) and she did not disappoint.
Around the Team USA dressing room, players raved about the atmosphere and how it contributed to making the Americans’ 4-2 win over Canada feel like something more than just a pre-tournament game.