Kings’ Dustin Brown, Jack Johnson, Jonathan Quick named to U.S. Olympic hockey team; Ducks’ Bobby Ryan also named
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Kings captain Dustin Brown (above), defenseman Jack Johnson and goaltender Jonathan Quick were chosen for the U.S. Olympic hockey team for the Vancouver Games in an announcement hastily made after the Winter Classic Game at Boston.
Unlike the Team Canada announcement, which was made slowly and milked the drama, the U.S. announcement seemed rushed in order for NBC to get off it the air in time for a figure skating show
The forwards: David Backes of the St. Louis Blues, Brown, Ryan Callahan of the New York Rangers, Chris Drury of the New York Rangers, Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks, Ryan Kesler of the Vancouver Canucks, Phil Kessel of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Jamie Langenbrunner of the New Jersey Devils, Ryan Malone of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Zach Parise of the Devils, Joe Pavelski of the San Jose Sharks, Bobby Ryan of the Anaheim Ducks and Paul Stastny of the Colorado Avalanche.
The defensemen: Erik Johnson of the Blues, Jack Johnson, Mike Komisarek of the Maple Leafs, Paul Martin of the Devils, Brooks Orpik of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Brian Rafalski of the Detroit Red Wings and Ryan Suter of the Nashville Predators.
The goalies: Ryan Miller of the Buffalo Sabres, Quick, and Tim Thomas of the Boston Bruins.
The only real surprise was Martin, who has a badly broken arm and recently learned that he will be out for several more weeks. He could be replaced before the Games -- rosters can be changed until the eve of the Feb. 16 tournament opener. Ducks defenseman Ryan Whitney was in consideration for Martin’s spot, but apparently USA Hockey officials decided simply to name Martin and see how he progresses, knowing they can always replace him with Whitney later.
More later at www.latimes.com/sports
-- Helene Elliott