A Milford native will play for Team USA when men's ice hockey begins at the 2018 Winter Olympics Wednesday.

Mark Arcobello, 29, was a high school star who went on to become an NHL journeyman and MVP in the Swiss League. The NHL has opted out of this year's Winter Games.

He began playing at 4 years old at the Milford Ice Pavilion, his parents say.

He went on to play for Fairfield Prep, where head coach Matthew Sather says Arcobello showed natural talent.

"I'm not sure how much coaching I did," Sather says. "I did a lot of watching and admiring."

Fairfield Prep won two titles, including a state championship with Arcobello playing on the same line as his older brother. He spent his college career at Yale University where he played for head coach Keith Allain -- who is an assistant coach for Team USA.

He went on to play 139 games in the NHL and more in the AHL before heading overseas and signing with the Swiss National League.

The United States will face off with Slovenia Wednesday morning at 7:10 a.m. on the NBC Sports Network.