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For Oshie, ties to Warroad run deep

Washington Capitals v Colorado Avalanche

DENVER, COLORADO - APRIL 01: T.J. Oshie #77 of the Washington Capitals awaits a face off against the Colorado Avalanche at Pepsi Center on April 1, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. The Capitals defeated the Avalanche 4-2. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

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For a small city in Northern Minnesota with approximately 2,000 residents, Warroad’s had a big impact on the hockey world.

It’s home to a number of former Olympians, including the Christian clan -- Bill, Dave, Roger and Gordon all represented the U.S. at various winter games -- and a handful of NHLers as well.

Which includes T.J. Oshie.

The Washington winger, enjoying another successful offensive campaign in the nation’s capital, was a former star at Warroad High School, helping the team capture two Minnesota State Class A titles in 2003 and 2005.

From there, more accolades followed. A standout career at the University of North Dakota. Getting selected in the first round of the draft. Over 100 goals scored over seven seasons with the Blues.

And, of course, one unforgettable Olympic effort, in a dramatic shootout win over the Russians in Sochi.

Through it all, though, the 30-year-old has remained close to Warroad, which helped shape his hockey journey.

From the Star-Tribune:

Oshie only lived in Warroad for three years, and he says he hasn’t been back in some time. But he isn’t sure where he would be today without that experience.

“I probably wouldn’t be playing hockey,” he said. “Maybe working somewhere.”

Warroad helped pave a path to his dream job, playing in the NHL. He has become a fan favorite, [and] achieved overnight celebrity at the Sochi Olympics after his one-man shootout display against Russia.

This Sunday, the NBC Sports Group will profile Warroad and its rich hockey history during the Hockey Day in America celebration. It’s part of a massive quadrupleheader of action that begins with Oshie and the Caps taking on the Rangers (12:30 p.m. ET, NBC), followed by Detroit-Pittsburgh (3:30 p.m. ET, NBC).

From there, Hockey Day in America shifts to NBCSN. First, it’s Chicago-Buffalo (6 p.m. ET) followed by Boston-San Jose (8:30 p.m. ET).