After losing out in round two of the play-offs, the Wild’s frontman had little time to recover before boarding a flight to the Czech Republic and making his senior World Championship debut in Sunday’s 3-1 win over Slovenia.

“It happened really quick,” he said after the 3-1 win over Slovenia. “We got knocked out of the play-offs, then next morning I’m getting the call. It was kinda unexpected and a few hours later I’m on the plane over here. It was a whole day traveling. I only got here the night before and got enough rest to get me through this game.”

Coyle, 23, comes off a full season with the Wild where he posted a career best 11+24=35 return. His tough, physical game has already seen him represent the USA at junior level, winning a bronze medal at the World Juniors in Buffalo in 2011. But now he’s tackling the men’s championship for the first time.

“It’s a little different with the bigger ice and things like that to get used to,” he added. “Mostly, though, it’s just trying to get my legs under me to contribute as much as I can to help this team.”

Team USA wasn’t a completely new experience – Coyle has been following the progress of the championship even while playing in the NHL postseason.

“It was fun watching but it’s ever better playing. I’m excited about it,” he said. “We have a nice group and a good team so I think it will be a great experience.

“Coming into a new team is always different but I’ve done it before. The other guys are pretty welcoming. They’ve been here a while so it’s nice to come in to a good group. The coaches have been great, the players have been awesome and it’s been an easy transition.”