Dr. Charles Popkin: Team Physician for Winning U-18 USA National Hockey Team

Columbia Orthopedics sports medicine specialist, Charles A. Popkin, MD, served as the team physician for the U-18 USA National Hockey Team during the 2019 Five Nations Tournament. The tournament took place from November 3rd to 10th at the Sundsvall Energi Arena in Sundsvall, Sweden. 

“It is always an honor to get the call from USA hockey to cover one of their National Teams," said Dr. Popkin. " There is a special pride to cover the red, white and blue abroad."

The USA National Team competed against national teams from the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Finland, and Sweden during the tournament. The USA team won the tournament after defeating Czech Republic 1-0, Switzerland 6-2, Finland 3-2, and Sweden 3-1. 

"There was some extra incentive with this U-18 group to go into Sweden this year and come away with the 5 Nations Tournament Crown, stated Dr. Popkin. "[It was] really good hockey to watch and...the team had a few injuries to manage during the week. [It was] special to watch the group run the table and take home the Championship with a dominating 3-1 win over host Sweden."

This is not the first time the team won while abroad.  They took third place at the 2019 U17 Five Nations in Sweden and second place at the 2018 U17 Four Nations Cup at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan.

For more about Dr. Popkin’s practice, follow him on Twitter.