From June 19-26, the world’s best para ice hockey players will gather in Ostrava, Czech Republic for the 2021 World Para Ice Hockey Championships. This “Introduction to the 2021 World Para Ice Hockey Championships” three-part series will prepare fans for all the upcoming action in Ostrava. This episode features an introduction to Team USA and the team’s strong ties to Nashville.
Episode 1: Team USA and the Nashville Connection
Team USA, the gold medal winners in the most recent 2019 World Championships, is hoping to repeat their top performance in Ostrava. They will face a difficult challenge from the seven other national teams who would like to claim that number one world ranking.
With impressive and experienced talent, Team USA boasts a fast, threatening offense, a physical defense, and a goalie tandem as reliable as the Rinne-Saros duo Nashville Predators fans know well. Predators fans shouldn’t miss this competition, not just because it is an exciting sport, but also because of the local connections on the national team. Several of Team USA’s players live and train right here in Nashville. Get to know these Middle Tennessee players in today’s episode.
For new para ice hockey fans, episode two will talk about the history, rules, and gear of the sport and episode three will dive into the history of the World Championships and a look at the teams competing in 2021.
How to Watch Worlds
Team USA opens play Saturday, June 19 8:00 AM (CT).
YouTube: Paralympic Games channel
Facebook: World Para Ice Hockey
(Photos and video credits: USA Hockey & Team USA, and the International Paralympic Committee)