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Kings’ Dustin Brown named alternate captain of U.S. Olympic hockey team

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Kings captain Dustin Brown was named one of four alternate captains for the U.S. Olympic hockey team for the Vancouver Games.

Jamie Langenbrunner of the New Jersey Devils, about to play in his second Olympic tournament, was named the team’s captain. Zach Parise of New Jersey, Ryan Suter of Nashville, Brian Rafalski of Detroit and Brown were named the alternates. Only two of those alternates will wear the ‘A’ in a given game.

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Brown, a first-time Olympian, called the appointment ‘a huge honor.’ He added, ‘We have no lack of leadership. We have a huge group of guys that can lead by example … I’m looking forward going to Vancouver and representing the USA and bringing home the gold.’

Brian Burke, general manager of Team USA, said team executives had no problems picking the leadership group. In choosing the roster, he said, ‘We’ve had some difficult decisions and some long discussions and some vitriolic and profanity-laced’ talks. ‘One thing we didn’t have a fight on was Jamie Langenbrunner,’ Burke said.

Olympic Coach Ron Wilson said the decision to go with four rotating alternates was made after members of the selection committee couldn’t settle on the traditional one captain and two alternates.

‘I don’t think we have any problem with leadership on our team,’ Wilson said. ‘I know we have leadership that doesn’t require any letter.’

More later at www.latimes.com/sports

-- Helene Elliott

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