As you may know, the 2010 Olympics take place next year in Vancouver. International hockey is one of the most entertaining sports on the Olympic schedule an Team USA should be very good. The squad’s orientation camp closed last week in Illinois. Bill Beacon of the Canadian Press listed his top 23 players that will likely make the roster (below). He also noted that Brian Rafalski could be selected as captain of the USA squad. Head coach Ron Wilson and general manager Brian Burke will have the final say on captaincy and the 23-man roster. I’m glad that Mike Modano will probably get another shot at Olympic medals. On the flip side, it’s a little bit sad the Chris Chelios won’t appear in a Team USA uniform anymore.
Goaltenders: Ryan Miller (Michigan State), Buffalo; Tim Thomas, Boston; Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles.
Defensemen: Rafalski, Rob Scuderi, Los Angeles; Paul Martin, New Jersey; Ryan Suter, Nashville; Erik Johnson, St. Louis; Mike Komisarek, Toronto; Brooks Orpik, Pittsburgh and Tom Gilbert, Edmonton.
Forwards: Zach Parise, New Jersey; Patrick Kane, Chicago; Paul Stastny, Colorado; Mike Modano (Westland), Dallas; David Backes, St. Louis; Dustin Brown, Los Angeles; Ryan Kesler, Vancouver; Ryan Malone, Tampa Bay; Chris Drury, N.Y. Rangers; Scott Gomez, Montreal; David Booth, Florida and Ryan Callahan, Rangers.
Tags: 2010 Olympics, brian burke, brian rafalski, hockey, ron wilson, team usa, vancouver
