KEENE, N.H. – Keene State College men's ice hockey head coach Bobby Rodrigue's offseason included winning a gold medal while representing the United States overseas, as he was asked to serve as Team Leader for USA Hockey's Under 17 National Team at the Four Nations Tournament in Chomutov, Czechia.

The team went 5-0 in Czechia, winning the gold medal in dramatic come-from-behind fashion in a shootout over host Czech Republic.

The Owls' bench boss has been no stranger to winning medals at USA Hockey events in recent years.  As Player Development Camp Director for the New England District of USA Hockey, Rodrigue's New England Teams have won a gold medal, two silvers and a bronze in four seasons at the annual USA Hockey Select 17 National Festival in Buffalo (no other district has yet to medal more than twice). But Rodrigue's first international tournament assignment was different.

"This experience was really special.  The entire staff was great and the players were awesome," remarked Rodrigue.  The roster included four players who are already committed to division 1 programs in the future and several who are currently playing in the USHL and the CHL, at just 16 years old.  Rodrigue added, "These kids were so much fun; they built really great chemistry and an unreal culture very quickly."

The US team gathered in Newark, NJ and held a training camp in Pardubice, Czechia that concluded with an exhibition game against 18U and 20U AAA Czech players (which the Americans won in overtime) before moving to Chomutov for the Four Nations Tournament.  In the Tournament, Team USA swept the round robin, beating Chechia 4-3, Switzerland 6-5 (in a shootout) and Slovakia 7-6 (in overtime), setting the stage for the gold medal rematch with the hosts.  Rodrigue was struck by the reception the American team received throughout Czechia, "The boys learned very quickly how special it is to represent your country and what it means to put the U-S-A on your chest.  They were treated like celebrities everywhere we went - airports, stores, restaurants, hotels, even mini-golfing!"

The staff and players from the team have all stayed in touch with each other since dispersing back to their various corners of the country after the tournament.

"Winning a gold medal together for the United States of America creates a bond that lasts," Rodrigue added.  "Each of these boys has a bright future ahead of them and it's rewarding to see the connections they've created."

Back in Keene, Rodrigue has been busy preparing his Owls squad for the 2026-2027 campaign, the third in the program's history and second in the Little East Conference as they continue to build.  Keene State will open the season hosting St. Anselm College, who will join the conference and Division III from Division II in 2027-2028, on Halloween night at 5:00 p.m. at Keene Ice.