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01/02 08:17 CST US picks 4 Nations-heavy roster for the Milan Olympics, adding
Keller, Thompson and Jones
US picks 4 Nations-heavy roster for the Milan Olympics, adding Keller, Thompson
and Jones
By STEPHEN WHYNO
AP Hockey Writer
Tage Thompson and Clayton Keller helped the U.S. win the world hockey
championship for the first time since 1933, while Seth Jones was a key part of
the Florida Panthers' second consecutive Stanley Cup run.
Those contributions earned them a spot on the U.S. Olympic team as the only
three additions from the 4 Nations Face-Off early last year.
USA Hockey unveiled its roster Friday on the "Today" show, with a vast majority
of it made up of players who took part in the NHL-run international tournament
in February, when the Americans made the final before losing to Canada in
overtime. The only ones not back from the 4 Nations are forward Chris Kreider
and former New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox.
"It was incredibly difficult for our management group to get to the final
roster and that's a credit to so many in our country, including all those at
the grassroots level who help make our sport so strong," general manager Bill
Guerin said. "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."
Keller, who's captain of the Utah Mammoth and tied for their lead in scoring,
wore the "C" at worlds. Thompson, who plays for the Buffalo Sabres, was a
point-a-game producer.
The U.S. followed Canada's lead after its northern neighbor also chose a 4
Nations-heavy roster. But while Canada made some changes in net beyond starter
Jordan Binnington, the Americans went with the same three goaltenders: Connor
Hellebuyck, Jake Oettinger and Jeremy Swayman.
Left off were Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars, who's leads U.S. players in
points this season, and a couple other elite goal scorers, Cole Caufield and
Alex DeBrincat.
Guerin and his management staff, along with coach Mike Sullivan, prioritized
experience and players they knew well. That meant sticking with depth forwards
Vincent Trocheck and Brock Nelson over Robertson and others.
Teams are allowed 25 players at the Olympics, up from 23 at the 4 Nations, and
can dress 20 skaters --- typically 13 forwards and seven defenseman, along with
two goalies. The first U.S. game is Feb. 12 against Latvia.
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AP Olympic coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics
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