The IIHF Men's World Championships are underway in Zurich and Fribourg, Switzerland, running from Friday through the championship game on May 31. While every player dreams of deep NHL playoff runs, the Detroit Red Wings—missing the postseason for the 10th straight year—have plenty to cheer for as seven of their own take the international stage.

"It's a great honor," said Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider, reflecting on representing Germany. "Always nice to put the national jersey over your shoulder pads and sing that national anthem after you win. We've been taking very big strides the last couple of years."

Seider, who has been named captain for Germany, is part of a strong Red Wings contingent in Switzerland. Team USA features defenseman Justin Faulk and prospect Max Plante. Faulk, acquired by Detroit at the March trade deadline from St. Louis, was also named captain for the Americans—a role he doesn't take lightly at age 34.

"It's awesome," Faulk told USAhockey.com. "Where I'm at in my age, you don't know how many opportunities you're going to have left to get this. You grow up lucky enough at 15..."

Faulk brings a wealth of international experience, including a bronze medal from the 2011 world championships, a spot on the 2014 Olympic roster, and appearances in 2012, 2013, and 2015 worlds. Team USA—the defending champion after winning last year for the first time in 92 years—already defeated Germany 5-2 in an exhibition tune-up.

Sweden sends Lucas Raymond and Albert Johansson, while Canada counters with goaltender Cam Talbot and prospect Emmitt Finnie. For these seven Wings, the world championships offer a chance to compete for glory on hockey's biggest international stage—even if the red, white, and blue they're wearing isn't the Winged Wheel.