In honor of the upcoming birthday of our fine nation, let's take a look at the possible roster for the 2010 Winter Olympic USA Hockey team...
Among those invited to the US Hockey training camp:
Forwards: David Backes, David Booth, Dustin Brown, Dustin Byfuglien, Ryan Callahan, Chris Drury, Scott Gomez, Patrick Kane, Ryan Kesler, Phil Kessel, Jamie Langenbrunner, Ryan Malone, Mike Modano, Kyle Okposo, T.J. Oshie, Zach Parise, Joe Pavelski, Bobby Ryan, Paul Stastny
It's out with the old, in with the new for the U.S. squad. Old staples such as Keith Tkachuk, Doug Weight, Jason Blake, Brian Gionta and Brian Rolston have been shown the door, opening up opportunities for young up-and-comers like Okposo, Pavelski, Ryan and Byfuglien. Leadership won't be a problem with guys like Modano, Langenbrunner and Drury around, they've been through the grind and while they won't bring the production of guys like Kessel, Kane and Parise, they'll be counted on to guide the youngsters. Also nice to see local product Ryan Malone getting a shot to represent his country. Notable ommissions: Jason Pominville, Drew Stafford, Blake Wheeler, David Legwand, Patrick O'Sullivan, R.J. Umberger, Peter Mueller, Lee Stempniak, Erik Cole, Matt Cullen, Tim Connolly
Defensemen: Tom Gilbert, Tim Gleason, Ron Hainsey, Erik Johnson, Jack Johnson, Mike Komisarek, Paul Martin, Brooks Orpik, Brian Rafalski, Rob Scuderi, Ryan Suter, Ryan Whitney
The U.S. has a glut of young, physical d-men. Guys like the Johnson's, Orpik and Komisarek aren't afraid to throw their body around. Rafalski, Whitney and Hainsey are solid puck-movers who will run the power play. Suter brings the pedigree (his dad Bob was on the 1980 Miracle on Ice team, and his uncle Gary was a long-time NHL standout.) Notable ommissions: Keith Ballard, John-Michael Liles, Joe Corvo, Matt Niskanen, Matt Carle
Goaltenders: Tim Thomas, Ryan Miller, Jonathan Quick
Hard to argue with these choices. Thomas was one of the best, if not the best, goaltender in the NHL this past season. Miller is another standout with international experience. Quick is young and will benefit from the higher level of competition. Rick DiPietro, a past staple on the U.S. squad, is still recovering from his latest injuries and will not take part. Notable ommission: Ty Conklin
It's refreshing to see the U.S. "retire" some of the graybeards and usher in the fresher American-born talent. It's gonna make for a flashier version of U.S. Hockey, and give Americans a more exciting team to root for in Turin.
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