The Green Bay Gamblers take on Team USA

Updated: Friday, 20 Jan 2012, 7:37 AM CST
Published : Friday, 20 Jan 2012, 7:37 AM CST

ASHWAUBENON - The Green Bay Gamblers play two games this weekend against the USHL's Team USA.

While the Gamblers may be in first place, as Drew Smith explains, there is always a little extra motivation when the all-star team comes to town.

Gamblers defenseman Jordan Schmaltz is projected as a first round pick in the NHL draft, but this weekend, he won't be alone.

In fact, with Team USA, the select national team coming into town, as many as six first rounders could be on the ice.

The developmental team is supposedly the best of the best from the under 18's, now a number of the Green Bay Gamblers have either been on that team before, or would like to be on that team at some point.  The goal for this weekend is show those guys they belong on the same ice.

"Any time you're going to play against guys who are selected as top players in your age group, you get a little chip on your shoulder saying why are these guys there kind of thing, and I think we're just as good as them." said Gamblers goalie, Ryan McKay.

"It's just a challenge in itself, you are playing the best of the best.  And we feel like we have some of the best of the best.  This weekend, you literally have a chance to have 6 first round draft picks. That's unheard of anywhere in the world, let alone here in Green Bay.  We're excited to have it, the guys are motivated." said Gamblers Head Coach, Derek Lalonde.

While Schmaltz won't be alone among top picks on Friday and Saturday, he's looking forward to the test against the best.

"Yeah, we've got a lot of great players who could have been on that team, or could have been, but it's a big weekend for us, and we hope to come out of it with two wins."

Two wins which would stretch the Gamblers already sizable first place lead.