Despite failing to play in the 4 Nations finale, Charlie McAvoy found a way to fire his Team USA teammate.
Advances 3-2 overtime loss to Team Canada on Thursday, defender McAvoy announced his team's starting lineup from the locker room.
US head coach Mike Sullivan shared that his team has a “special guest” to read the game's starters.
The Long Island native met with roaring cheers from his teammates as he stepped into the locker room with a sling in his right arm.
McAvoy, who was appointed as the alternative American captain, suffered a shoulder injury in the opening match against Finland on February 13th.
Finland on February 13th. American hockey
His injury later led to infection, and McAvoy was hospitalized and forced to undergo treatment on the shoulder.
The eight-year NHL veteran went to Massachusetts General Hospital on Monday amid the US's 2-1 defeat to Sweden.
The Bruins later said McAvoy's injuries were to his scapulatic joint in his right shoulder.
Right shoulder. American hockey
McAvoy's condition had improved following his procedure, according to a statement Tuesday by Bruins head team defenseman Dr. Peter Asnis.
Shortly before the 4 Nations tournament began, McAvoy missed seven games on January 30th, according to the Bruins website.
Canuk's defender Quinn Hughes was appointed as a replacement amid McAvoy's injuries, but the US had to lose another defender to make Hughes qualify.
McAvoy's alternative to Thursday's finale was able to influence Americans.
Senator Jake Sanderson was slotted into McAvoy's spot on the team's second line, giving USA the first lead of the game, raising goals midway through the second term.
However, McAvoy's emotional plea was not sufficient as Team USA ultimately fell to Canada thanks to Conor McDavid's overtime goal.
The 22-year-old is currently in his third NHL season and has been selected for the league's all-rookie team after the 2022-23 season.
