May 13, 2021 by Laura Harper Winters (Updated 5/14/21 10:55am)
USA Hockey announced the 26 players that will comprise the U.S. Men’s National Team and the list includes two Hingham natives. The youngest member of the team is Matty Beniers, age 18, who has most recently participated in the USA Hockey's National Team Development Program. Brian Boyle, most recently with the NHL's Florida Panthers is 36 years old and will be making his debut in the IIHF championships as the oldest member of the team.
"It’s definitely special," Beniers told Anchor Sports. "Obviously you are representing your country, then representing your family and your town. Hingham is a big hockey town. It’s kind of cool we have two guys from Hingham going. Brian was actually one of the first guys to find out (he made the team). He was sitting next to me when I got the call so he was one of the first guys to find out I made it, which is cool."
When asked about the dynamic between him (the youngest player on the team) and Boyle (the oldest) he added "we actually live like 1/2 away from each other (in Hingham). It’s pretty cool that we get to go to Latvia together and I’m excited to spend some more time with him."
Both men are set to compete in the 2021 International Ice Hockey Federation Men’s World Championship May 21-June 6 in Riga, Latvia.
"We’re excited with the roster we have and look forward to the world championship," said Chris Drury, general manager of the 2021 U.S. Men's National Team and also the president and general manager of the NHL's New York Rangers. "It’s a unique year and we appreciate the dedication and commitment of everyone. We really like our team and our goal, like every other team our country puts on the ice, is to bring home a gold medal."
As part of Team USA, Brian and Matty will depart the U.S. for Riga on May 16 and begin play in the world championship on May 22 against Finland at 9:15 a.m. ET. All U.S. games in the tournament will air live on NHL Network.
The U.S. has medaled in three of the last seven IIHF Men's World Championships (bronze in 2013, 2015, 2018), its best medal stretch since a period from 1939-53.
Good luck to Matty, Brian and all of Team USA. Hingham will be cheering you on!