Parise headlines strong local USA list, seven named

June 30, 2009   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

Earlier today, USA Hockey announced the Olympic camp roster. Not surprisingly, it included plenty of local flavor with players from all four Battle teams represented.

That included Devil Second Team All-Star Zach Parise. A no-brainer following his breakout season in which he set new career highs across the board in goals (45), assists (49), points (94), power play goals (14) and plus/minus (30) while also matching his best in game-winners (8). The University of Dakota product will turn 25 next month and be asked to lead Team USA next February in Vancouver.

He should have plenty of support from a talented roster that features budding stars Patrick Kane, Bobby Ryan (Cherry Hill, NJ), Phil Kessel, Dustin Brown, Paul Stastny and David Backes. Joining them will be newest Canadien Scott Gomez, David Booth, Dustin Byfuglien, Ryan Kesler, Ryan Malone, Joe Pavelski, T.J. Oshie along with veteran Mike Modano.

Also invited were Devils Jamie Langenbrunner and Paul Martin along with Rangers Chris Drury and Ryan Callahan, who while a surprise had been overlooked by many. It appears he beat out Buffalo’s Jason Pominville and current Devil Brian Gionta. Promising Islander Kyle Okposo also made the cut and rounding out a strong eight players from the Battle teams is Sabre netminder Ryan Miller, who will likely compete with 2008-09 Vezina winner Tim Thomas for a starting role.

Not selected was Islander goalie Rick DiPietro, who’s recovering after missing most of the season due to balky knees. Instead, Brian Burke chose King Jonathan Quick.

Headlining the blueline is former Devil Brian Rafalski, who will team with Martin again like old times. Also included are Cup champion Pens Brooks Orpik and Rob Scuderi, who turns unrestricted at midnight. It also features promising youngsters Jack Johnson, Erik Johnson (expected back this Fall) along with former Pen Ryan Whitney. Tom Gilbert, Tim Gleason, Ron Hainsey, Ryan Suter and native Long Islander Mike Komisarek round out the corps.

Left off were USA veterans Keith Tkachuk, recently re-signed Pen Bill Guerin, Jeremy Roenick and ageless Chris Chelios. Of some of the most accomplished players in Team USA history, Burke was respectful:

“They all said the same thing, Bill Guerin’s response was immediately ‘I undestand, I’ve had my turn, I’ve gone every time they asked me. I’d love to go again, but I understand.’ Keith Tkatchuk said the same.”

“These guys have had their day in the sun, and I told them we’re not closing any doors here. These guys are very much alive. They appreciated that call and said they get it.”

Other notable omissions included Chris Higgins, Brian Rolston, Jason Blake, Tim Connolly, Keith Ballard, James Wisniewski and Craig Anderson.

Here’s how the roster looks by position:

G-Thomas, Miller, Quick

D-Rafalski, Martin, Orpik, Scuderi, J. Johnson, E. Johnson, Whitney, Gilbert, Gleason, Hainsey, Suter, Komisarek

LW-Parise, Kane, Booth, Malone, Callahan, Backes

C-Stastny, Gomez, Drury, Modano, Kesler, Pavelski, Oshie

RW-Kessel, Ryan, Brown, Langenbrunner, Byfuglien, Okposo