Burke / USA Hockey: Modano Has Usefullness at Olympic Hockey Level

When USA Hockey announced the players invited to the men's Olympic Camp recently, it came as no surprise to see the team was young and youthful, and missing many of the familiar names often seen on the USA roster.

One veteran name, however, was on the invite list, a name so synonymous with USA Hockey it's hard to imagine the team without him: Mike Modano.

Since breaking into the hockey world in 1988, Mike Modano has represented the United States in 11 separate international tournaments including two World Junior Championships, three World Championships, one Canada Cup, two World Cup of Hockey appearances, and three Olympic appearances. 

In 71 international games representing his country, Modano has put up 24 goals, 37 assists for 61 points, with 41 of those points coming at the senior level. In his three Olympic appearances, Modano has netted four goals and 10 points in 16 games.

In talking about Mike Modano, Team USA General Manager, Brian Burke commented, "Mike's production has fallen off, but his usefulness as a player has not," and went on to say "His role has changed and he's accepted that cheerfully."

Modano, who is entering his 20th season in the NHL, was honored to accept the invitation to once again represent his country at the elite level. “I am privileged to be invited to Team USA’s Olympic Orientation Camp,” said Modano. “I’ve been lucky enough to represent my country at the Olympics in the past and I would very much like to do so again in 2010. I’d like to thank USA Hockey for the opportunity to hopefully make this team. It would be an honor.”

The Men’s Olympic Orientation Camp runs from August 17-19 at Seven Bridges Ice Arena in Woodridge, Illinois.