18-year-old Jack Eichel impresses NHL teammates at world championships

OSTRAVA, Czech Republic — With his boyish looks and curly hair tucked under a baseball cap, Jack Eichel blends in well with his youthful USA Hockey teammates at the world championships.

On the ice, the 18-year-old Eichel stands out, capturing significant attention with his skill and playmaking, skating with poise and purpose, demonstrating maturity beyond his years.

Eichel, a 6-1, 192-pound center, who just finished his freshman season at Boston University, is being touted as America's next hockey sensation.

Eichel is the first draft-eligible player in more than two decades, since Phil Housley, to wear the red, white and blue at the world championships.

"It's been awesome building relationships with guys in the room," Eichel said about his first experience playing with and against NHL players. "Just being around NHL players, you learn so much."

Eichel and his teammates average 24.3 years of age, the youngest American squad over the past decade. They have charged to a 4-1 start, including a thrilling upset over their considerably more experienced Russian rivals.

"I think a lot of people didn't expect much from us because of our lack of experience in this tournament, but the guys have represented the country in other international tournaments," Eichel said after a team practice in Ostrava. "It's a young group, but we work hard and there is a lot of fight in us."

Along with four collegians, the U.S. roster also includes 2014 Olympian Justin Faulk and fellow defensemen Torey Krug of the Boston Bruins and Seth Jones of the Nashville Predators.

New York Islanders forward Brock Nelson leads the team in scoring with six points in five games, while Winnipeg Jets goaltending prospect Connor Hellebuyck has been stellar in net, allowing two goals in his three wins.

Eichel has contributed three assists and is a plus-3 on the ice. His play has steadily improved game to game.

"I'd like to contribute more offensively," Eichel said. "I've had some good chances. I think if I get one they'll start to come."

The North Chelmsford, Mass., native nearly scored a highlight reel goal versus Belarus, forcing a turnover and single-handedly making the defenders look like the Keystone Cops. After his dazzling moves, Eichel slid a no-look backhand pass to linemate Nelson for an easy goal.

"The composure he has with the puck is pretty awesome to see," said Eichel's linemate, Trevor Lewis, a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Los Angeles Kings. "You just have to get pucks to him and he's going to find you."

"When he gets the puck on his stick, he becomes an incredibly dangerous player," said U.S. head coach Todd Richards, also the coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets. "It's his speed, his reach, his vision and he is also very strong on the puck."

In the U.S. victory over Russia, Eichel won 15 of 21 face-offs and battled mano-a-mano with Russian superstar Evgeni Malkin, more than holding his own against the powerful presence.

Asked how he can contribute to the team as the tournament progresses, Eichel said: "Just chip in and do whatever the team asks of me - move my feet, compete hard and win my battles."

In his first season at BU, Eichel won the Hobey Baker Award, awarded to college hockey's best player. The multi-skilled center led the NCAA in scoring, notching 71 points (26 goals, 45 assists) in 40 games. He and his BU teammates narrowly missed winning a national title, losing a 4-3 heartbreaker to Providence on April 15.

Eichel is projected to be a top two selection in next month's NHL draft along with Canadian Connor McDavid. Edmonton and Buffalo have the first two picks with Eichel most likely going to the Sabres.

The BU star has yet to declare whether he will remain at college or relinquish his eligibility to play in the NHL.

"When the time comes to make a decision later this summer or whenever, it will be made with family and friends," Eichel said. "It's not something I'm focused on right now. With this tournament, I have to stay focused on the task at hand."

Team USA continues its preliminary round play in Ostrava with pivotal games vs. Slovenia on Sunday and Slovakia on Tuesday. Four teams from two groups will advance to the single elimination quarterfinals.

Semifinal and medal games will be contested in Prague, May 16-17.

The U.S. hockey team won bronze medals in 2013 in Stockholm, Sweden, and also in 2004, when the world championship was also in Prague.

However, the last time a U.S. team won gold was at the 1960 Squaw Valley Winter Olympics, when the Games also doubled as the world championship.

Regarding the potential of the youthful U.S. squad once again striking gold, Eichel said, "It would be huge, not only for us, but for the country."