TOP NOTCH: Lightning’s “Hot 27-year-Old Superstar” named to Team USA for World Championships
Tampa — For the second consecutive year, Tampa Bay Lightning forward Mikey Eyssimont will represent Team USA in the International Ice Hockey Federation World Championships.Eyssimont was one of nine players selected to the Team USA roster on Sunday morning.
The championships, which will take place in Czechia, are scheduled to begin on Friday and conclude on May 26.Last year, Eyssimont scored a goal and provided two assists in nine games as the U.S. team finished in fourth place at the worlds.
The 2023 U.S. team was the first to win its first eight games.Eyssimont, a native of Littleton, Colorado, will report to Bratislava, where the team is currently training. Team USA’s first of eight preliminary-round games is set for Friday against Sweden in Ostrava. Select games will be broadcast on NHL Network.
Eyssimont, who is coming off his best season, has been a full-time NHL player for the first time this season with the Lightning at the age of 27. He scored a career-high 11 goals and 25 points while playing mostly on the team’s third line. His 135 hits ranked third on the team, and he demonstrated a strong two-way game due to his solid forechecking.
Additionally, Eyssimont was the Lightning’s nominee for this season’s Bill Masterton Trophy, which is awarded annually to a player who best embodies perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to the game.
