James Hagens Explains Reason To Represent USA At World Championships

Boston Bruins forward James Hagens

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Boston Bruins forward James Hagens will be representing Team USA at the World Championships in Switzerland.

The annual event is a good chance for NHL players to represent their countries and play more hockey after the regular season ended, or their teams had early playoff exits. After the Bruins' exit, it was announced Hagens would represent Team USA, which he’s excited about to learn from some veteran NHL players.

“I am really excited,” Hagens said on Sunday. “It will be cool getting that experience and being around guys like that as well. Just go out there and play hockey, get a chance to go out and play more games. You’ve just got to make sure you bring over good habits and you learn from it, too.”

Hagens made his NHL debut late in the season after his college season ended and he signed his entry-level contract with the Bruins. However, he was a healthy scratch for Games 4, 5, and 6, so he wanted to continue his season.

After being announced to Team USA, Bruins head coach Marco Sturm is excited for Hagens to represent his country and learn from some veteran players.

“I just talked to James, and I am so excited he has that chance to play,” Sturm said. “That was one of my first questions after we got kicked out: Is he going? I know the importance, being with Team Germany, and even coaching and going through the process with . I explained to him that situation – it was massive, massive.