The US will travel to Russia as one of the favourites for gold after they named a 17-strong provisional squad in December that contains eight players that claimed the title at Vancouver 2010, whilst 15 of the players helped secure silver at last year's World Championships in Goyang, South Korea.

Goaltender Steve Cash was part of both of those squads and, while he acknowledges that history is within their grasp, he insisted the US players will be taking nothing for granted in Sochi.

"We want to come in thinking that we're going to win every game," said Cash, who did not concede a goal in Vancouver as the US powered their way to victory, beating Japan in the gold medal match.

"But we're really just focused on the future, one step at a time.

"You can't look back on history and expect to repeat it.

"Our eyes are just on the prize in Sochi right now.

"If we can be that first team, and go down in the record books, that would be great, but we're not thinking about history.

"Right now, we're just focused on getting that gold medal when we get there."

US goaltender Steve Cash will be looking to secure his third Paralympic title at Sochi 2014 ©Getty Images



Cash is joined in the US provisional squad by Vancouver 2010 veterans Taylor Chace, Nikko Landeros, Josh Pauls, captain Andy Yohe, Taylor Lipsett, Adam Page and Greg Shaw.

Cash, Chace, Lipsett and Yohe also earned bronze medals at Turin 2006.

The US won gold on home ice at Salt Lake City 2002 and, as well as attempting to successfully defend their crown, are also aiming to become the first side to win a hat-trick of Paralympic titles.

They have been drawn in a tricky looking preliminary group that includes hosts Russia, along with South Korea and Italy.

But, with likes of young stars Declan Farmer and Brody Roybal, both still high school students, allied to the experience already in the squad, Cash believes that the balance of the side is even better than that which went all the way four years ago.

"We still have some of the same core as we did in 2010," said the 24-year-old.

"But we also have a lot of younger guys on the team.

"Not only are they younger but they're a lot more talented than what I've seen in the past.

"When guys are that age, usually it takes them a little bit longer to develop but I have a lot of confidence in our younger guys.

"I feel like we have a more well-rounded team and at the same time, I feel like we're also a lot closer.

"We're more cohesive as a group.

"Obviously, you want that on and off the ice.

"I feel like I am more confident coming into these Games with the team that I have as opposed to 2010."

Adam Page is confident that a blend of experience and youth will help the US go all the way in Sochi ©Getty Images



Page shares the confidence of his teammate Cash as the squad finalise preparations at the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, ahead of the final squad announcement later this month.

"We have a lot of leadership but we also have a lot of youth," he said.

"But I don't view the youth as a negative.

"Every one of us has the speed and skills necessary to win a gold medal."

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