What Does The Future Hold For Women's Hockey?

Photo: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Yesterday as the United States convincingly defeated Sweden 6-1 in the semifinal round of the Women's Ice Hockey tournament, a rather large debate began on the internet about what the future holds for the sport.

Olympic Hockey Preview: Group A

Photo: Cris Bouroncle-AFP/Getty Images

In what would appear to be the most competitive group, we take a look at Group A today:

Zach Parise: Captain America

Photo: @mnwild

Just a little bit past noon today, Team USA General Manager David Poille announced that Wild winger Zach Parise would be the captain of the United States Olympic hockey team in the upcoming games in Sochi, Russia.

Yes, the same Zach Parise who modeled the US opening ceremonies gear.

Also, Poille named that the alternate captains to the team which included Wild defenseman Ryan Suter. Nice to see Poille put his differences with Suter behind him for the sake of the team.

For those interested, the other alternate captain named was Dustin Brown of the Los Angeles Kings. Not exactly a welcome face here around these parts. So the official leadership of Team USA is as follows:

Captain: LW Zach Parise (MIN)

Alternates: D Ryan Suter (MIN)

                    LW Dustin Brown (LA)

The Wild have three remaining games (2/1 @CGY, 2/4 vs TB, and 2/6 vs NSH) before breaking for nearly three weeks for the Olympics.

Follow Giles on Twitter @gilesferrell

Zach Parise Models Team USA Apparel

Zach Parise shows off the Ralph Lauren Team USA Gear. Photo: @mnwild

Yes folks, that is what your Team USA Olympians will be wearing to the Opening Ceremonies of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.