Team USA Unveils Roster…Wait…Who?

After the wonderland known as the Winter Classic was over, the NHL and Team USA Hockey thought it would be adorable to announce the 2010 Olympic roster using small children wearing the jerseys of the player that would be selected. Since Boston Bruins goalie Tim Thomas had just played the game and was named to the roster as well, he came out in his jersey with the kids. Also, im sure it was because no kid ever wants to wear a Tim Thomas jersey.

Anyway…i have a big problem with not just the USA roster, but the Canadien as well, but since im American, i’ll only bitch about the Red, White and Blue. The problem i have with both rosters is that they are too youthful. I know this is a league that is built on speed and finese now and i have no problem with having youth on the team, but guys are getting snubbed that you need.

Before i go on, i have no problem with the goalies and defenseman chosen because, let’s face it, those positions are not that deep in the NHL with Americans. And…i love Kane, Stasny, Parise, and Ryan. They are the cornerstones for years to come with this team. My problem lies with guys like Scott Gomez, Bill Guerin, Mike Modano, and Brian Rolston being snubbed for guys like Chris Drury( i know he’s not young, but let me make my point), Ryan Callahan, David Backes, and Joe Pavelski.

They must not be doing what Canada is doing and going by the way guys are playing this year, because all those veterans have more points the Drury and some have more than the other guys and if they dont, the margin is not wide. Hell, even Keith Tkachuk has more points than Drury. Pavelski, Backes, and Callahan are good young players and had good years last year, but the Olympics arent in 2009, they’re in a month and half.

 Who do you want on the ice against Canada or Russia when its a one goal game? Give me the guy thats been there before. Rolston killing penalties…yes please! Guerin in the slot…yup! Gomez and his unselfishness…you bet! Team USA is not going to out-talent the big squads, they need to have guys who know their roles and can do it without thinking about what kind of stage they’re on. If we win a medal with this group, it’ll be huge.