Team USA

[Mel]

Why are so many of the usual suspects missing from the USA roster. I mean I know there's a handful of guys not playing for whatever reason, but I'm wondering if the regulars were invited but declined to play..... or is this the dawn of a new era, where Team USA decided to go young, and leave the aging vets at home?

I can't understand why so many of the guys from SLC 02 are absent from this tournament.

(looking down the roster, I can't help but notice not one single player was born prior to 1970... and a whopping 7 guys were born in the 80's!)

What's your take?

EDIT: I also notice a lot of marquee names missing from Canada's roster as well)

[TimmyTabasco]

Yes, its because they deciding to go with the young..start fresh, for change

I have read this in numerous reports! :laughing: ;)

For Canada, many of them hadn't played all season..and would have been VERY rusty

[slapshot™]

Why are so many of the usual suspects missing from the USA roster. I mean I know there's a handful of guys not playing for whatever reason, but I'm wondering if the regulars were invited but declined to play..... or is this the dawn of a new era, where Team USA decided to go young, and leave the aging vets at home?

According to Peter Laviolett it is out of his hands and the roster decisions come from the GM. In the interview he also points out that the US players might not be that familiar with the tourney....


IHWC.NET: Did you have any greater input this year as far as player selection went?

Laviolette: I talked to the general manager and the assistant general manager, but that's their job. They're building USA Hockey, and we took some older players?Modano, Miller, Doug Weight?but we also have some new players, guys like Mike Knuble and Mike York. Erik Cole is wearing the jersey for the first time. I think we have a pretty good mix here.

IHWC.NET: What about a guy like Andy Roach, who isn't the best-known player, but said yes to his country last year and made a great contribution?

Laviolette: I think that's what our program is trying to build?a sense of pride to put the jersey on and come over and play. For some reason, the World Championship doesn't get as much hype in the United States as it does over here. The fans and the teams in Europe are very passionate about their countries, and after one tournament I can see why. It's a great tournament with great players and a great place to take in hockey. Hopefully last year's experience rubs guys that way for the United States. We hope to get another good experience this year so players know this is a place where they play good hockey at a high level and they should want to get an invitation to play.

IHWC.NET: Why do you think they have to be told that?

Laviolette: I don?t know. I really don't know why. Players are in their NHL seasons, they play 82 games. In the European countries you grow up with this tournament, watching it and waiting to get the chance to play in it. Back home, there's more focus on the NHL and the Stanley Cup. But hopefully attitudes change because this is great hockey.

Interesting interview with Laviolette. You can find the complete interview here -> Laviolette Sets Sights on Gold (http://www.ihwc.net/english/article/news/index.ihwc?artId=1983)

[Asterix]

For Canada, many of them hadn't played all season..and would have been VERY rusty
As in older? :razz: :nod:

I do beleive that it was time for the US to get younger. There is a lot of talent out there, with all of the Canadians and Europeans playing for US teams in the NHL, and having children born there. These kids often have dual citizenships and may chose to play for the US at the international level, making that country that much stronger.