Team Minnesota

As supplied by Goon of Goon’s World:

Coming as no big surprise, Team Minnesota looks like the class of the south of the border entries. A potent forward group and young, mobile defensive corps make the 10000 Lakers a team to beat. The Achilles Heel seems to be their goaltending, which, while talented, is a little shy on experience.

Coach: Dean Blais- While he lacks professional experience, Blais is a keen motivator who knows how to handle this group, mainly former collegians. He won’t take any shit and will get the most out of any underachievers.

Goalie:

1. Alex Stalock

2. Adam Berkhoel

3. John Curry

Defense:

1. Keith Ballard

2. Tom Gilbert

3. Andy Albers

4. Erik Johnson

5. Paul Martin

6. Alex Goligoski

7. Mark Stuart

Forwards:

1. Kyle Okposo

2. David Backes

3. TJ Oshie

4. Zach Parise

5. Dustin Byfuglien

6. Jamie Langenbrunner

7. Blake Wheeler

8. Matt Cullen

9. Jason Blake

10. Ryan Carter

11. Brandon Bochenski

12. Peter Mueller

13. Toby Petersen

The Minnesotans boast a pretty impressive back end. All young, mobile guys, there will be no problem with puck movement or with the power play. While none are all-stars, as a group they represent a formidable top 6. In an quick tournament such as the fictitious North America Cup, they can really hurt you.

I see them paired as follows:

Johnson-Gilbert

Ballard-Martin

Goligoski-Stuart

I have Andrew Albers as my extra.

Up front, a wealth of firepower awaits anyone standing in the way of the Maroon and Gold (assuming?). The top 6 all have elite level talent and can all put the puck in the net. Additionally, there is enough of a veteran presence to calm the ship should they fall behind to a team. While they might lack in overall grit, players such as Langenbrunner and Byfuglien are no strangers to the corners and are at home at the top of the crease. I see the lines like this:

Okposo-Oshie-Parise

Wheeler-Cullen-Backes

Byfuglien-Langenbrunner-Blake

Carter-Mueller-Bochenski

Toby Petersen is my extra guy.