WC: USA at the 2010 World Championship

[William H Bonney]

R.J. Umberger is stilling mulling his offer. I really hope he accepts.

It sounds like Tom Gilbert will play when (if) he's offered. I'd assume he'd get an invite. He had a rough year this season but he's been dynamite the last 15 games or so for Edmonton.


I think one thing some of us here are overlooking is that the World Championships are starting late this year. The first US game last year was April 25th. This year it's May 7th. We could be adding players eliminated after the 2nd round of the playoffs. Unless something miraculous happens, at least one of Tim Thomas, Jon Quick, Jimmy Howard, or Craig Anderson will be available. I'm not sure they'd all accept invites (I don't think Quick would) but I'm sure at least one would accept the call and take the reins on the starting job for the tournament. I'm just mentioning the goalies because that's what the big concern seems to be for most at this point, although Esche (who always answers the call) is adequate enough for this tournament.

I just hope a couple of the young Olympians accept their invites and soon to set the tone for the rest of the American players going forward. I'd love to see guys like Ryan, E. Johnson and Kessel step up and lead the charge for this team and challenge the rest of the young American talent to follow suit.

P.S. Maybe it's the American hockey homer in me, but I'm really praying that Mike Modano and Keith Tkachuk take one last chance to represent Team USA. That would be beyond awesome for us as fans but I'd love for our new generation to spend some time with those two on the international stage. Pipe dream, I know.

 

[AmericanDream]

R.J. Umberger is stilling mulling his offer. I really hope he accepts.

It sounds like Tom Gilbert will play when (if) he's offered. I'd assume he'd get an invite. He had a rough year this season but he's been dynamite the last 15 games or so for Edmonton.


I think one thing some of us here are overlooking is that the World Championships are starting late this year. The first US game last year was April 25th. This year it's May 7th. We could be adding players eliminated after the 2nd round of the playoffs. Unless something miraculous happens, at least one of Tim Thomas, Jon Quick, Jimmy Howard, or Craig Anderson will be available. I'm not sure they'd all accept invites (I don't think Quick would) but I'm sure at least one would accept the call and take the reins on the starting job for the tournament. I'm just mentioning the goalies because that's what the big concern seems to be for most at this point, although Esche (who always answers the call) is adequate enough for this tournament.

I just hope a couple of the young Olympians accept their invites and soon to set the tone for the rest of the American players going forward. I'd love to see guys like Ryan, E. Johnson and Kessel step up and lead the charge for this team and challenge the rest of the young American talent to follow suit.

P.S. Maybe it's the American hockey homer in me, but I'm really praying that Mike Modano and Keith Tkachuk take one last chance to represent Team USA. That would be beyond awesome for us as fans but I'd love for our new generation to spend some time with those two on the international stage. Pipe dream, I know.

funny thing about your last part; I had the same exact thought earlier today. After watching the "farewell" to Modano and Tkachuk, I just thought these guys should give old glory one more run and play hockey for 2 more weeks representing the country that they have battled for so many times. I think it would be flat out awesome, 100% full of class, and a great example to send to all the Americans playing pro hockey.

I honestly thought the third line could look like this: Tkachuk- Modano- Conroy... all 3 are surely done, and with the exception of the injured Weight, and playoff bound Guerin, they are what is left of the greatest era of USA Hockey.

I hope Burke can convince them to just do it 1 more time, its only 2 weeks, then they are done forever.....I think the players themselves would like one more crack at representing their country, and I would really love to see them have a sendoff wearing the red, white, and blue...it may be a pipe dream, but I think it would send goose bumps up my spine hearing their names one last time representing the US...

 

[William H Bonney]

Erik Johnson, David Backes and Ty Conklin all turned down invitations per Andy Strickland.

Nothing shocking here but I was really hoping EJ would have accepted. It would have been great for his continued development into a Norris contender and he could have played close to 30 minutes a game. He's probably pretty beat up though with the long season coming off a long rehab.

I'm guessing Conklin didn't want to play second fiddle to Esche or another goalie potentially added after the first round.

 

[William H Bonney]

Accepted Invitations:
F - Kyle Okposo (NYI)
G - Scott Clemmensen (FLA)
F - Eric Nystrom (CAL)
F - David Moss (CAL)
F - Ryan Potulny (EDM)
F - Christian Hanson (TOR)
D - Taylor Chorney (EDM)
D - Jack Hillen (NYI)
D - Mike Lundin (TBL)


Declined Invitations:
D - Erik Johnson (STL)
F - David Backes (STL)
G - Ty Conklin (STL)
F - Ryan Malone (TBL)
D - Ryan Whitney (EDM)
F - Bobby Ryan (ANA)
D - Keith Ballard (FLA)
D - Zach Bogosian (ATL)


Mulling Invitations:
F - R.J. Umberger (CBJ)
F - Phil Kessel (TOR)
F - T.J. Oshie (STL)
F - Brandon Dubinsky (NYR)


Staff:
Head Coach: Scott Gordon (NYI)
Assistant Coach: Todd Richards (MIN)
Assistant Coach: Ron Rolston (USNTDP)
General Managers: Brian Burke (TOR); David Poile (NAS)

 

[Rabid Ranger]

Erik Johnson, David Backes and Ty Conklin all turned down invitations per Andy Strickland.

Nothing shocking here but I was really hoping EJ would have accepted. It would have been great for his continued development into a Norris contender and he could have played close to 30 minutes a game. He's probably pretty beat up though with the long season coming off a long rehab.

I'm guessing Conklin didn't want to play second fiddle to Esche or another goalie potentially added after the first round.

Where did you see that? Strickland's most recent article at Hockeybuzz doesn't discuss it.

 

[William H Bonney]

Where did you see that? Strickland's most recent article at Hockeybuzz doesn't discuss it.

It's on his Twitter: http://twitter.com/AndyStrickland

 

[Rabid Ranger]

It's on his Twitter: http://twitter.com/AndyStrickland

Ah, thanks. Not really surprised, although I was hoping Conklin would at least make the trip. It will be a differant dynamic though this year with the Worlds starting later, so no panic yet.

 

[William H Bonney]

Ah, thanks. Not really surprised, although I was hoping Conklin would at least make the trip. It will be a differant dynamic though this year with the Worlds starting later, so no panic yet.

Yeah, it certainly changes things up a bit. They still need to get a good core committed here soon because it'll be even harder to get these guys to go if they start on their summers before deciding. I just hope we don't see guys like Peter Harrold and Colin Stuart again; that won't be a good sign.

 

[cagney]

I just don't see a seriously competitive team coming together for this. The Olympics are one major factor but I also feel the participation of the younger generation in the past few years was mostly about preparing for the Olympics rather than having a serious desire to win a world championship. I just don't think we've reached a point where all of the top players will do whatever they can to participate in and win the whole thing like many European players do. It'd be cool if that changed but I just don't see it happening, especially not this year.

So, don't be surprised to see a good number of guys none of us will be all that excited over end up on the team.

 

[petrklima85]

.

P.S. Maybe it's the American hockey homer in me, but I'm really praying that Mike Modano and Keith Tkachuk take one last chance to represent Team USA. That would be beyond awesome for us as fans but I'd love for our new generation to spend some time with those two on the international stage. Pipe dream, I know.

My sentiments exactly. In my ideal scenario, Walt, Modano and Chelios are brought in as a Lifetime Achievement reward for their past contributions to USA hockey. They get one last chance to mingle w/ the new generation, they are all given A's to wear on their jerseys. No captains, 3 very capable alternates and a cool way for all 3 to skate off into the sunset.

 

[Rabid Ranger]

I just don't see a seriously competitive team coming together for this. The Olympics are one major factor but I also feel the participation of the younger generation in the past few years was mostly about preparing for the Olympics rather than having a serious desire to win a world championship. I just don't think we've reached a point where all of the top players will do whatever they can to participate in and win the whole thing like many European players do. It'd be cool if that changed but I just don't see it happening, especially not this year.

So, don't be surprised to see a good number of guys none of us will be all that excited over end up on the team.

I don't think it will be any worse than last year's, which came in 4th place. Young to be sure, but competitive.

 

[Eye of Ra]

Patrick O'Sullivan - Ryan Potulny - David Booth

Kyle Okposo - TJ Oshie - Erik Cole

R.J. Umberger - Brandon Dubinsky - Ryan Callahan

Chad Larose - Todd Marchant - Eric Nystrom





Tom Gilbert - Keith Ballard

Zach Bogosian - Ron Hainsey

Matt Gilroy - James Wisniewski

Matt Niskanen

 

[William H Bonney]

Patrick O'Sullivan - Ryan Potulny - David Booth

Kyle Okposo - TJ Oshie - Erik Cole

R.J. Umberger - Brandon Dubinsky - Ryan Callahan

Chad Larose - Todd Marchant - Eric Nystrom


Tom Gilbert - Keith Ballard

Zach Bogosian - Ron Hainsey

Matt Gilroy - James Wisniewski

Matt Niskanen

Booth is out with his concussion.

Callahan missed today's game for the Rangers so I doubt he goes, especially after the long year and having played in the Olympics.

In other news...Jame McBain - who has looked amazing with the Canes to finish the year - is back with Albany for the AHL playoffs so unless they get eliminated, he's not available either.

 

[cagney]

I don't think it will be any worse than last year's, which came in 4th place. Young to be sure, but competitive.

You always seem to be the optimist (good season for that in US hockey) but I just don't see the talent that team had coming forward. I've been dissapointed with the results the last two years in particular because, despite the skill of the young players, the inexperience prevented success. Now that they have the experience, they're either not available or likely to be unwilling for various reasons. Unless we find a way to do more with less this year I just don't see things going our way.

All this said, my criteria for success at this tournament is a medal. 4th place doesn't do anything for me or US hockey at this point. I'd like to see some before the next Olympics.

 

[usahockey22flyers]

id doubt erik cole would go, he has looked good for the 'Canes lately though... Do you think Burke handed out invites already?

 

[William H Bonney]

id doubt erik cole would go, he has looked good for the 'Canes lately though... Do you think Burke handed out invites already?

He's handed out some. There's not as big of a rush this year compared to years past as the tournament starts almost 2 weeks later than usual. There's been a few invites made public so far. I'll be keeping a running tally here: http://hfboards.com/showpost.php?p=25062058&postcount=55

I'd be surprised if Erik Cole goes and if I had my druthers, he wouldn't be going because he'd be left off for better, younger talent. Cole's career has taken a nosedive. Although it's hard to say at this point how it'll play out. The US teams for this tournament are always such a crap shoot. Leading into the Olympic year, I would have never fathomed guys like Peter Harrold, Colin Stuart, and Colin Wilson would have made last year's team.

 

[Rabid Ranger]

I think we need to assume most, if not all Olympians do not make the trip to Germany. My hope is we can get the likes of Ryan and Kessel to solidify the offense, but I'm not holding my breath. We'll see if Brian Burke can exert a little "positive" pressure.

 

[William H Bonney]

Kyle Okposo and Scott Clemmensen have both committed to the team per Kevin Allen.

 

[William H Bonney]

Phil Kessel wants to play in the tournament but has been playing with an abdominal tear so he doesn't know if he'll be able to.

R.J. Umberger is apparently trying to finish his degree this summer with OSU so that apparently is what he's trying to work out before committing to the team.

Ryan Whitney is set to have off season foot surgery and won't play.

 

[Rabid Ranger]

Kyle Okposo and Scott Clemmensen have both committed to the team per Kevin Allen.

Good start. Okposo's had a good year and Clemmensen has played very well down the stretch for Florida.

 

[usahockey22flyers]

yes! awesome Kyle. He is a young player with so much potential! Im glad he decided to play!

 

[CDeeps]

http://http://www.usatoday.com/community/profile.htm?plckPersonaPage=PersonaBlog&plckUserId=7f199720956b03f0&UID=7f199720956b03f0

Here are some more roster additions.

Never mind. Link isn't working, so....

Joining the team are David Moss, Eric Nystrom, Ryan Potulny, Christian Hanson, Jack Hillen, Taylor Chorney and Mike Lundin. Bobby Ryan and Erik Johnson will NOT be joining because their contracts expire this summer. Oh well.

 

[Brodie]

Well, this is going to suck.

 

[PaulieVegas]

Joining the team are David Moss, Eric Nystrom, Ryan Potulny, Christian Hanson, Jack Hillen, Taylor Chorney and Mike Lundin. Bobby Ryan and Erik Johnson will NOT be joining because their contracts expire this summer. Oh well.

Kinda scraping the bottom of the barrell, are we? Taylor Chorney? Mike Lundin? Either Burke is damn impatient or he's already had a lot of rejections if he's picking these guys. Why he can't just wait until the end of the first round of the playoffs is beyond me.

 

[Rabid Ranger]

Kinda scraping the bottom of the barrell, are we? Taylor Chorney? Mike Lundin? Either Burke is damn impatient or he's already had a lot of rejections if he's picking these guys. Why he can't just wait until the end of the first round of the playoffs is beyond me.

Par for the course with Brian Burke. He wants players that commit early. I can't say I'm jumping for joy with the calibre of players named so far, but we'll see how things pan out. Some definate talent, but very young and inconsisent. The good thing is there are two goalie, four defensemen, and eight forward spots left to fill. Up the talent level with those selections and these guys can be the role players. I'm fine with that, since guys like Moss, Nystrom, and Hanson would make a very good 4th line.