Team USA defenceman Jake Sanderson joins team in Beijing after COVID 'roller coaster'

After five nerving-racking days and an Olympic dream put at risk, Jake Sanderson’s nightmare is finally over. He’s back with Team USA.

The 19-year-old American defenceman had already suffered the disappointment of a cancelled World Juniors, before entering COVID-19 protocol in Los Angeles just ahead of the U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team boarding a flight to Beijing.

Sanderson didn’t have symptoms, and was able to use a stationary bike and hit the ice a couple of times while in isolation to keep in good physical shape – but the mental battle was a challenge. He resorted to reading “The Daily Stoic” – a meditation book about wisdom and perseverance – and praying he’d produce the required five consecutive negative tests before hitching a ride to Beijing.

Despite the gruelling few days, Sanderson is looking ahead.

"I was very disappointed and upset with all of it," said Sanderson, via the Associated Press. "Just a lot of waiting and a lot of hoping I would get here. ... It was a roller coaster and up and down emotions, but at the end I’m here, and that’s all that matters.”

Unfortunately for Canadians, this means the blueliner might be in the lineup when Canada plays USA in a battle for Group A supremacy on Saturday in Beijing.

Sanderson was expected to be an integral part of the American team, which opened its Olympic tournament with an 8-0 win over hosts China. He may just be 19 years old, but Sanderson is one of the very best players in college hockey, if not the best. The Whitefish, MT., native will likely join the Ottawa Senators, the club that drafted him fifth-overall in 2020, upon completing his season with the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks.

Since he’s only had one practice with the team before skating on Friday, Sanderson's role might not be as significant as foreseen, but he’s still determined to make the most of what’s really an unforeseen opportunity this early in the phenom’s career.

“I’m so happy to be out with the guys, and that’s just a boost of energy in itself,” said Sanderson. “I’m going to make the most of my opportunity.”

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