The 2010 U.S. men's Olympic ice hockey team was announced on Jan. 1 during the Winter Classic on NBC. The 23-player roster includes three goaltenders, seven defensemen and 13 forwards, all drawn from the National Hockey League. See women's team.
Changes to rosters (i.e. because of injuries) will be allowed until Feb. 15 (the eve of the opening games of the men's tournament), when the teams have to register their final roster of 20 skaters and three goaltenders.
The NHL has scheduled a break in the 2009-10 season to allow players to compete in Vancouver, in lieu of the break for an all-star game. The final NHL games will be played on Sunday, Feb. 14, and the Olympic tournament begins Tuesday, Feb. 16. The NHL season will resume on Monday, March 1, one day after the gold-medal game on Sunday, Feb. 28. Though professionals have been allowed to compete since the 1988 Calgary Games, the NHL blocked its star players from leaving their teams to play in the Olympics until 1998.
St. Louis Blues winger David Backes is making his Olympic debut in Vancouver.
Los Angeles Kings captain Dustin Brown is making his Olympic debut in Vancouver as an alternate captain of Team USA.
New York Rangers forward Ryan Callahan is making his Olympic debut in Vancouver.
Chris Drury will be playing in his third Olympics in Vancouver. He earned a silver medal with Team USA in Salt Lake City.
Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Tim Gleason is making his Olympic debut in Vancouver.
St. Louis Blues defenseman Erik Johnson is making his Olympic debut in Vancouver, in just his second NHL season.
Los Angeles Kings defenseman Jack Johnson is making his Olympic debut in Vancouver, during his third season in the NHL.
Chicago Blackhawks winger Patrick Kane, the 2007-08 NHL rookie of the year, is making his Olympic debut in Vancouver.
Vancouver Canucks forward Ryan Kesler is a two-way forward known for his ability to shut down opponents.
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Phil Kessel is making his Olympic debut in Vancouver
The captain of the U.S. team in Vancouver, Jamie Langenbrunner is one of three players on the team with previous Olympic experience.
Tampa Bay Lightning forward Ryan Malone is making his Olympic debut in Vancouver.
Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller is making his Olympic debut in Vancouver as the likely starter for Team USA.
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik is making his Olympic debut in Vancouver.
New Jersey Devils winger Zach Parise has emerged as one of the top American offensive players in the NHL.
San Jose Sharks forward Joe Pavelski is a versatile center making his Olympic debut in Vancouver.
Los Angeles Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick is making his Olympic debut in Vancouver.
Making his third Olympic appearance, Detroit Red Wings defenseman Brian Rafalski is the oldest player on the U.S. team at 36.
Anaheim Ducks forward Bobby Ryan is making his Olympic debut in Vancouver, in his second full NHL season.
Colorado Avalanche forward Paul Statsny is making his Olympic debut in Vancouver.
Nashville Predators defenseman Ryan Suter, making his Olympic debut in Vancouver, is the son of 1980 gold medalist Bob Suter and nephew of 2002 silver medalist Gary Suter.
Boston Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas, the reigning Vezina Trophy winner, is making his Olympic debut in Vancouver.
Anaheim Ducks defenseman Ryan Whitney is making his Olympic debut in Vancouver.
He remembers the feeling. In 2002, Apolo Ohno was racing in front of a home crowd that was in need of a happy ending. His USA uniform is a reminder.
