When the United States announced its first preliminary World Cup squad, there was one name in particular that caught everyone's attention: NHL star Matthew Tkachuk.
The forward has never represented the United States in a senior World Cup, but now comes to the tournament fresh off winning Olympic gold earlier this year.
In recent seasons, the 28-year-old has not had the opportunity to play in the World Cup because his Florida Panthers reached three straight Stanley Cup finals - and won two championship titles.
However, this season, the Florida Panthers failed to make the playoffs.
The World Cup will be held in Switzerland from May 15-31.
