Brace yourselves for an avalanche of talent at the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics in Gangwon Province, South Korea. A flurry of youthful athletes, each with a strong passion, are ready for competition. This is an upcoming youth winter multi-sport event scheduled to be held between Jan. 19 and Feb. 1, 2024.

Gangwon 2024 is letting the youth celebrate peaceful coexistence and unity through sport to create a better future. The aim is for positive change and social unity in the region, impacting society in the areas of sport, culture, and education, according to the Youth Olympics website. This is the 4th Winter Youth Olympics. Innsbruck, Austria hosted the first Winter Youth Olympic Games 12 years ago. It is held every 4 years. Some of the events included in the 2024 games are just like the regular Olympics: Alpine Skiing, Biathlon, Bobsleigh, Curling, Figure Skating, Skeleton, Snowboard, Speed Skating, and Ice Hockey. 

The 2024 U.S. Youth Olympic Men’s Hockey Team has earned medals in the last two Winter Youth Olympic Games. They earned silver in 2020, and gold in 2016. The roster for the 2024 games, includes nine forwards, six defensemen, and two goaltenders from various states. Massachusetts’ Spencer Thornborough, was selected to be a part of this team.

Thornborough is a 15-year-old forward who plays for Boston Junior Eagles and The Governor’s Academy.

Thornborough was first introduced to hockey at a young age and was mainly influenced by his father. He has continued his passion to develop his game, ever since learn-to-skate.

“Training up to this event has been a schedule that consists of skating every day, eating well, and working out with my team at The Governors Academy,” said Thornborough. 

“Though I am beyond excited to represent my country at the Winter Youth Olympics, I know that there will be a lot of pressure on me along with all the competitors there,” Representing your country is a lot of pressure for any teenager, Thornborough continues by saying deep breathing helps calm him in stressful situations and knows that it will be helpful while competing. 

The hockey team consists of players from various parts of the United States. Thornborough explains how it will be a great time to get to know everybody and bond with them. 

“I think the time spent traveling with the players and coaches including just hanging out at the airport or on the bus will be a big contributor to getting to know the guys better.”

Thornborough is excited about team bonding and being able to have “USA” on his jersey. He also takes into account the school work he will be missing.

“While this is all a great honor to be a part of, it also requires me to take some time off from school,” He also explained that he talked to his teachers and knows what he will have to make up. 

“But what I’m most excited for is to put up a run for a gold medal. I believe we have the team and most definitely the drive to come home with the gold,” Thornborough stated.

Team USA will take the ice against teams from Canada, Czechia, Finland, Korea, and Slovakia.

The U.S. Youth Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team will open preliminary round play against Slovakia on Sat., Jan. 27, 12 a.m. ET. It is set to be livestreamed