Abdelkader looking forward to 2016 World Cup of Hockey

By @StefanKubus –

DETROIT – Justin Abdelkader was one of the initial nine forwards chosen to represent Team USA in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey in September.

The 29-year-old Muskegon native joins Waterford native Dylan Larkin (North America), Petr Mrazek (Czech Republic), Tomas Tatar (Europe), Pavel Datsyuk (Russia) and Henrik Zetterberg and Niklas Kronwall (Sweden) as the Red Wings named to their respective teams for the tournament.

“It’s huge, it’s obviously a huge honor, really excited,” Abdelkader said. “There’s nothing like going out and playing for your country, putting the red, white and blue on, so much pride in doing that and just really honored, excited for the opportunity and looking forward to it.”

the Michigan State alum has represented USA in the past, having done so at the World Junior Championship in 2007 and at the World Championship in 2012 and 2014.

This season, Abdelkader has spent the season playing alongside Henrik Zetterberg and lately with Pavel Datsyuk, as well, as head coach Jeff Blashill reunited the Eurotwins. In 64 games, the Muskegon Mona Shores and Cedar Rapids RoughRiders alum has recorded 15 goals and 18 assists for 33 points. Last season, he set career-highs in goals (23), assists (21) and points (44).

Even with some big names still out there, Team USA GM Dean Lombardi said it was clear that Abdelkader deserved to be among the first nine forwards chosen.

“You only have so many spots,” Lombardi explained. “In terms of what Justin has done… every player brings something to the table. A critical part of our team is going to be the mix. You look at Justin Abdelkader, this is a kid that’s gotten better, he’s very difficult to play against and he’s only going to get better.

“We thought Abdelkader clearly should be in the first group.”

Abdelkader said of all his teammates selected to participate in the tournament, it might be most exciting to see Larkin and Team North America, also a little weird considering he, too, is an American-born skater.

“They’ll have a fun team, an entertaining team to watch with all the young guns. They’ll be flying all over the place, but there’s a lot of good teams. It’s gonna be a fun tournament, looking forward to it.”