The games at New Hope Ice Arena, home to the Elite League also stirred fond memories for Karki, Team USA’s goaltender for the first game. 

“I think playing in the Elite League last year kind of developed me a little more than the regular season,” Karki said after making 20 saves in the loss to Northwest. 

Janicke, Karki and Ullan also shared that their favorite youth hockey memories came in bantams.

“Probably the state tournament my first year of bantams,” Janicke said. 

Karki's involved a change of scenery.

“I switched over to St. Cloud (during) bantam youth hockey,” Karki explained, adding that his fondest memory was the camaraderie he shared with is teammates.

Ullan’s favorite moment came against a northern rival. 

“Beating Duluth East in overtime my first year of bantams,” Ullan said.  

K’Andre Miller quarterbacks the NTDP U-17’s first power play unit, and says that his most memorable experience actually comes from his sophomore season with Minnetonka’s varsity in 2015-2016. 

“The bus ride to Grand Rapids with my team from Minnetonka,” Miller said. 

“We had a good time on the bus and it was a lot of fun.”

The good times continue to roll for Miller, who’s recorded two goals and six points in 11 games for Team USA.

“Getting to wear that jersey every day, representing your country, doing the sport you love,” Miller said, ticking off his prized aspects of playing for the NTDP.  

According to Miller, he and the rest of the NTDP team are in the process of creating countless more memories. 

“We’ve bonded very closely on and off the ice,” Miller said with a grin. 

“We’re brothers already.”