I was reading some articles about that actually, from Testwuide in particular.
They really like it in Korea. The conditions are reportedly vastly better than in the KHL, and they've been playing/living there long enough to qualify for South Korean citizenship. For those who aren't aware, it's gruelling. They have to work quite hard to get that Korean Passport, and are actually proud of it to where opposing Korean nationals chirp them for not being Korean enough.
The naturalization process was expedited because of his stature as an athlete, Testwuide explains. First, he had to be approved by the Korean Olympic Committee. A hearing was held, during which Testwuide detailed his hockey resume and proved why he deserved a position on the team. After he was awarded a recommendation, he was sent to the government for citizenship. There was a written test -- centered on South Korean history -- then an oral test in a boardroom.
"I really had to study," Testwuide said. "Honestly, if I was given the same test about American history, I'd probably fail."
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I really looked forward to the current NHLers playing them. What an experience it would have been for the Korean team playing against the very best in the world. These guys worked so hard to make the Olympics and play with the best teams on the planet, I'm definitely cheering them on to score some goals and perhaps even squeak out a win somehow.
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Exp:
Their coach is former Penguin and 2X SC winner Jim Paek. First Korean to have his name on the cup.
I worked with Jim, albeit briefly, many years ago. Super nice guy who is modest and has completely earned his way to the position he holds.
I will be cheering really hard for them to have good showing, and I know from listening to an interview Jim did with Rob Kerr last summer (IIRC) he expects a good result. They may have a leg up on many of the lower tier teams as they have been practicing together for a couple years now in the non league times as well as many of the guys play together during the season.
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South Korean Olympic Men's Hockey Team
