United States National Team (1970)

1st place - World "B" Championships - Bucharest, Romania

Front Row L to R: Carl Wetzel, Larry Stordahl, Huffer Christianson, Gary Gambucci, Hal Trumble, Mgr, Murray Williamson, Coach, Bryan Grand, Ozzie O'Neill, Henry Boucha, Gary Johnson
Back Row L to R: Doc Nogabods, Len Lilyholm, Bob Lindberg, Craig Patrick, Jim McElmury, Herb Brooks, Don Ross, Charlie Brown, Peter Markle, Bruce Riutta, Romanian Interpreter, George Konik, Doc Rose
Not Pictured: Bob Fleming, Chairman

Scoring Record

In 1969 the AHAUS designated John Mayasich's Green Bay Bobcats of the USHL to represent the United States in the World Championships in Stockholm, Sweden. The results were a disaster. The team lost all 10 games, were outscored 74 to 16 and the US was, for the first time, relegated to the "B" group tournament for the 1970 World Championship.

The International Committee decided to return to what was successful in 1967 and do it on a three year basis. The team base was returned to St. Paul and it was the task of the hastily assembled 1970 team to win the "B" group and return the U S A back to the "A" group tournaments and especially qualify for the 1972 Olympic Games. The Act of Congress for Konik, Masterton and Nanne finally passed but Masterton had died in a tragic on ice accident with the North Stars, Nanne had turned pro but Konik was available and added to the squad.

With only 2 1/2 months to organize and prepare the team and with limited funds, the task began. This team made unbelievable sacrifices for the cause of U SA Hockey . There was very little time to prepare and very little money to do it with.

With American Hockey prestige hanging on the outcome, the goal of winning the World B Championship and returning to group A was accomplished by sweeping to the title by winning all seven games. Konik, Gambucci and Ross were named to the All Tournament team and Len Lilyholm led the tournament in scoring.