The IIHF World Championship of 2024 is set to take place in Prague and Ostrava, Czechia from May 10th to May 26th. The United States of America has announced the addition of two players to their roster, St. Louis Blues forward Kevin Hayes and defenseman Matthew Kessel.
Kevin Hayes, a Dorchester, Massachusetts native, will be making his third appearance for Team USA at the World Championship. He previously played in 2014 and 2017. In his first season with the Blues last year, Hayes recorded an impressive 29 points (13 goals, 16 assists) and 12 penalty minutes in 79 regular-season games. With a decade of NHL experience under his belt, Hayes has amassed a total of 415 points (168 goals, 247 assists) and 217 penalty minutes in 713 regular-season games. He was originally drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the first round of the 2010 NHL Draft.
Matthew Kessel, on the other hand, will be making his first appearance for Team USA at the World Championship. A Scottsdale, Arizona native, he had an impressive rookie campaign with the Blues last season where he posted seven points (one goal, six assists) and 12 penalty minutes in just 39 regular-season games. Additionally, he tallied eight points (three goals