Team USA has finalised its men's ice hockey roster for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, setting its sights on winning the gold medal for the first time since the famous 'Miracle on Ice' in Lake Placid in 1980.
An NHL-Heavy Squad with Proven Talent
The selection, announced on Friday's 'Today' show, leans heavily on National Hockey League talent as USA Hockey aims to improve on its quarter-final exit at the last Games, where it was defeated by Slovakia. The squad includes key players from the United States' recent triumph at the world hockey championship, its first since 1933.
Tage Thompson of the Buffalo Sabres and Clayton Keller, captain of the Utah Mammoth, are both included after their pivotal roles in that world championship victory. Keller, who wore the 'C' at the worlds, is tied for his team's scoring lead this season, while Thompson was a point-a-game producer.
Also making the cut is defenseman Seth Jones, a crucial part of the Florida Panthers' consecutive Stanley Cup runs. The roster is largely composed of players who featured in the NHL-run 4 Nations Face-Off in February, where the Americans reached the final before losing to Canada in overtime.
Tough Selection Decisions and Strategic Priorities
General manager Bill Guerin acknowledged the difficulty of the selection process. 'It was incredibly difficult for our management group to get to the final roster,' Guerin said. 'That's a credit to so many in our country... There's nothing like the Olympics and I know our players and staff will represent our country well and work hard to achieve our ultimate goal.'
The management group, including coach Mike Sullivan, prioritised experience and familiarity, leading to some notable omissions. Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars, who leads all US players in points this season, was left out, as were elite scorers Cole Caufield and Alex DeBrincat.
Instead, the team opted for depth forwards like Vincent Trocheck and Brock Nelson. The only players from the 4 Nations squad not returning are forward Chris Kreider and defenseman Adam Fox, the 2021 Norris Trophy winner.
Goaltending Consistency and Olympic Format
In a move mirroring rival Canada's approach, the US selected a roster built around its 4 Nations core. However, while Canada made changes in goal behind starter Jordan Binnington, the Americans are sticking with their same three netminders: Connor Hellebuyck, Jake Oettinger, and Jeremy Swayman.
Olympic rules allow for 25 players on the roster, an increase from the 23 permitted at the 4 Nations tournament. For each game, teams can dress 20 skaters—typically 13 forwards and seven defensemen—plus two goaltenders.
The United States will begin its quest for Olympic gold on February 12th against Latvia, with the ultimate aim of ending a 44-year wait to stand atop the podium once more.
