Seven players from the Detroit Red Wings are competing in the IIHF men's world championships after the team missed the NHL playoffs for the tenth consecutive year. This opportunity allows them to represent their countries on an international stage.
Key points
Seven Red Wings players are competing in the IIHF men's world championships
Red Wings missed NHL playoffs for the tenth consecutive year
Players are representing their countries in the tournament
Lucas Raymond is one of the players participating
Championships started on Friday
Detroit Red WingsIIHF men's world championshipsLucas Raymond
Detroit — They'd all rather be wearing their Red Wings' jerseys and taking part in the NHL playoffs.
There's likely little doubt of that.
But the Wings missed the postseason for the 10th consecutive year, so the next best thing is to represent your country at the IIHF men's world championships.
Forward Lucas Raymond is one of seven players from the Red Wings organization competing in the IIHF men's world championships, which started Friday.
Forward Lucas Raymond is one of seven players from the Red Wings organization competing in the IIHF men's world championships, which started Friday.
This spring, the tournament is being held in Zurich and Fribourg, Switzerland. It began Friday, and goes through the championship game May 31.
There are seven Red Wings competing in the tournament.
Seider (Germany) and Faulk (USA) both have been named captains for their respective teams. Team USA defeated Germany, 5-2, in an exhibition earlier in the week.
Q&A
Which Detroit Red Wings players are competing in the IIHF men's world championships?
The article mentions seven players from the Red Wings organization participating in the championships, including forward Lucas Raymond.
Why are the Red Wings players participating in the IIHF men's world championships?
The players are competing because the Red Wings missed the NHL playoffs for the tenth consecutive year, making international representation the next best opportunity.
When did the IIHF men's world championships start?
The IIHF men's world championships started on Friday, as noted in the article.
What is the significance of the IIHF men's world championships for players?
The championships provide an opportunity for players to represent their countries and showcase their skills on an international level.
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Seider was part of the leadership group for Germany in February's Olympics, and has been a vital part of the German team at the recent world championships.
International tournaments are important for Seider, especially being a significant part of a rapidly improving German hockey program.
"It's a great honor, always nice to put the (national) jersey over your shoulder pads and sing that national anthem after you win," Seider said. "It's always a big honor, and we (Germany) have been taking very big strides the last couple of years."
Faulk, 34, was acquired by the Wings at the March trade deadline in a deal with St. Louis. Faulk has been in plenty of international competition, including helping USA win a bronze medal at the 2011 world championships, being a part of the 2014 Olympic roster, and participating in the 2012, 2013 and 2015 world championships.
Faulk told USAhockey.com it was an honor to be chosen captain.
"It's awesome," Faulk said. "Where I'm at in my age, you don't know how many opportunities you're going to have left to get this. I've been in this situation where you grew up, you're lucky enough (at) 15, 16 years old to have those opportunities (and) it seems like it's going to happen all the time, but that's not the case.
"Everyone is appreciative to be here and excited to wear the red, white and blue."
This will be Raymond's fourth consecutive world championship, representing Sweden. Raymond made it clear the disappointment of not reaching the NHL playoffs with the Wings, during the team's season-ending press conferences, but was looking forward to playing for his native Sweden.
Raymond has been outstanding for Sweden in recent tournaments. During February's Olympics, Raymond led Sweden offensively with nine points (eight assists) in five games. In the last three world championships, Raymond has 26 points (11 goals) in 28 games.
"Every time you get the chance to be part of a national team and represent Sweden, it's a huge honor," Raymond said. "It's nothing to take for granted."
There are 16 teams in the tournament, divided into two groups for the round-robin preliminary round. USA, Finland and Germany highlight Group A, while Group B is led Canada, Sweden and Czechia.
The top four teams in each group advance to the quarterfinals.
IIHF world championships
▶ When: Going through championship, on May 31
▶ Where: Zurich and Fribourg, Switzerland
▶ TV: NHL Network will televise all of Team USA’s games.
▶ Red Wings: Justin Faulk, Max Plante (USA), Lucas Raymond, Albert Johansson (Sweden); Moritz Seider (Germany); Cam Talbot, Emmitt Finnie (Canada).
