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USA Luge had a breakout season last winter, winning a team-record 18 medals on the World Cup circuit.Of those, only three came in Europe.Winning on familiar tracks in the U.S. and Canada was an important and considerable step forward for the program -- and now the Americans are hoping some of that success can be enjoyed more frequently on the other side of the Atlantic. The first chance at that comes Saturday, when the World Cup season opens in Winterberg, Germany.Our team had a lot of success in North America last year, U.S. mens veteran Chris Mazdzer said. We almost had a lot of success in Europe. We had a lot of fourth-place finishes. We were really close to medaling a lot of times ... and the goal is to take those fourth places and try to climb one or two spots on the ladder.Mazdzer had two of those three World Cup medals from European stops last season, including a silver in Winterberg in the circuits finale. That marked the third straight year of USA Luge leaving Winterberg with a medal, after Tucker West took bronze in the 2014-15 season and the Americans took silver in the team relay in 2013-14.Traditionally, German tracks havent been particularly kind to the Americans. Theyre hoping the trend of success in Winterberg continues this weekend.Were crossing our fingers for nice weather, said Erin Hamlin, the former womens world champion and the 2014 Olympic bronze medalist at the Sochi Games. But other than that, its keeping things rolling in the same direction theyve been going, getting equipment dialed in and staying healthy. And for me, enjoying it and getting the season started.Winterberg is the lone stop on this European trip, before the circuit comes back to the tracks the Americans know best.After this weekend, the next three World Cups are in Lake Placid, New York; Whistler, British Columbia; and Park City, Utah. On the two American tracks last season, the U.S. won 11 medals.So some early success could lead to plenty of momentum, as sliders start really ramping up for the 2018 Olympics in South Korea.Everyone starting right now is thinking Olympics, how to get there and how to be the best for that time, Mazdzer said. So even though, yes, theres World Cups every week, I think a lot of people are on an Olympic mindset. A lot of important decisions are going to be made in the next year and a half, and were going to have to push each other to be the best possible.That being said, the U.S. might not be at its best this weekend health-wise, particularly on the womens side.Emily Sweeney has been dealing with a wrist issue that is impeding the way she starts races -- and the start is critical in luge, though she still won some preseason races despite the injury. Summer Britcher, who was fifth and one spot behind Hamlin in the overall womens World Cup points standings last season, has been slowed by a shoulder problem.I dont know about Summer, but for myself, Im not expecting a huge number, Sweeney said. Id be happy with something less than what I would be expecting if I was healthy. For now, its more about just getting into that race atmosphere and feeling like the season is finally here.---This story has been corrected to show that the World Cup season opens in Winterberg, not Altenberg, Germany. Ted Ginn Jr Saints Jersey . Manuel was offered a position the day he was fired. He accepted earlier this week and the team made the announcement Friday. TreQuan Smith Youth Jersey . White came in fourth place in the event. He was the two-time defending gold medallist. The gold medal went to Swiss snowboarder Iouri Podladtchikov. http://www.saintsrookiestore.com/Saints-Rickey-Jackson-Jersey/ .Y. - Detroit goaltender Jonas Gustavsson has earned NHL first star of the week honours after winning in his first three appearances of the season. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson Youth Jersey .Y. -- Injured Buffalo Sabres forward Marcus Foligno did not practice with the team Monday and head coach Ron Rolston said its unlikely hell play in Wednesdays season opener in Detroit. Michael Thomas Youth Jersey . Canada is now down to its 22-player limit, although but players wont be registered until Christmas Day. Changes could still be made as a result of a suspension or injury. PARIS -- Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he remained faithful to the club despite offers from Paris Saint-Germains wealthy Qatari owners.The main reason behind the Frenchmans 20 years in north London? His enduring love for the Gunners.Why did not I say yes (to PSG)? Because I love where I am, Wenger said on the eve of Tuesdays Champions League game between PSG and Arsenal in Group A at the Parc des Princes.LEquipe newspaper reported Monday that PSG had made three approaches to Wenger since Qatar Sports Investments took over the club in 2011,I know well the owners, but I feel always I remained loyal to Arsenal Football Club because I think its a club that has the qualities I love, Wenger said.----IF AT FIRST...Wenger is starting a 19th consecutive campaign in Europes most prestigious competition. But Arsenal has never won Europes biggest prize, losing to Barcelona in the 2006 final, and the Gunners are looking to get beyond the last 16 for the first time since 2010.Wengers contract with Arsenal expires at the end of the season, but he said his situation ddoes not put him under extra pressure to finally deliver the Champions League title.ddddddddddddIve been focusing on next game. I dont think like that, Wenger said, when asked if his motivation was magnified by his contract situation. I think I played over 170 games in the Champions League and its every time the same: you want to do well in the next one. My personal case is not at stake in that at all.----LETS (NOT) GET PHYSICALWenger admitted his side is not as physically ready as he wished to take on the four-time defending French champions. But he added that the extra experience brought in by new signings Granit Xhaka, Shkodran Mustafi and Lucas Perez has helped his squad transform into a more mature outfit.The squad is between (age) 24 and 30, basically, Wenger said. Thats where you have a good combination of physical strength and experience. But we still want to keep giving chances to young players and keep the mixture right. ' ' '