Talent & Teamwork - USA Olympic Hockey Camp Breakdown

You could almost hear chants of Kumbaya coming from the locker room during practice breaks at the recent USA Olympic Hockey Camp. 

As General Manager Brian Burke, proclaimed at a recent press conference, “This is not a tryout camp, we’re not scrimmaging. This is an orientation camp.”

With this guiding light, the invited 34 NHL players practiced, and attended team building sessions from Aug. 17 – 19 at the Seven Bridges Ice Arena in Woodridge, IL.  A decision-making panel of NHL general managers chose this “new guard” of young, team-oriented Olympic-caliber players who average only 26 years of age.

But apart from the camaraderie factor, the selection staff focused on size, speed, and toughness - traits that embody the new crop of NHL players, and, to some extent, the state of American hockey.

Exit the likes of Keith Tkachuk, Bill Guerin, Jeremy Roenick, and Doug Weight who were among the several who received calls from the committee about not making the cut. Enter the young 20-somethings: Kyle Okposo, Patrick Kane, Bobby Ryan, and Erik Johnson.

Among these 34 stickmen, who represent over 20 NHL teams, are three goaltenders, 12 defensemen, and 19 forwards.  Each is vying for a spot on the 23-man Vancouver Olympics roster that is likely to be manned with 3 goalies, 8 defenders, and 12 front-liners. And with Burke’s mantra firmly in mind, these hopefuls participated in light puck-handling and speed drills designed more to get them comfortable with the ice, rather than as a showcase for their talents.

And in the evenings, the campers convened for two team-building events. First, they bonded at a dinner with members of the Lake Placid 1980 gold medal team. Then, the next night, they hit the diamond to catch a Sox/Royals game that featured Mike Moldano throwing out the first pitch.

The pool of candidates for these Olympics not only includes this favored group but also about 50 additional players who have been asked to participate in an anti-doping program. This fall, the committee will be evaluating all players, so that the Olympics roster (complete with 3 alternates) can be nailed down by late December, as required by the U.S. Olympic Committee.

Frontrunner Speculation

Based, in part, on their NHL success or their selection to past U.S. international teams, about a dozen players are believed to be sure bets by the pundit community.

Among the goalies, all three camp attendees (each with international experience) are gimmes: Ryan Miller, Johathan Quick, and Tim Thomas.  The oft-injured Mike DiPietro (2006 Olympian) was not invited, but is still in the running.

Blue line favorites include such strong icemen as Mike Komisarek, Brian Rafalski (two-time Olympian), Tim Gleason, and Ryan Suter.

The ranks of the forwards may be filled by quick shooters Moldano (39 year-old), Chris Drury, Dustin Brown, David Backes, Dustin Byfuglien, and Zach Parise, who said, “I like this team. Sure we don’t have the Ovechkins or Malkins, but I like the talent we have.”

Players who may not make the trek to Vancouver include Okposo, Ryan Malone, Ryan Callahan, Ron Hainsey, and Jack Johnson.  However, physical and playing talents aside, the intangibles of team spirit and leadership are also important.

“These practices in August aren’t going to win the Olympics; this is about mindset and philosophy.  We’re trying to build a team and some camaraderie,” said Head Coach Ron Wilson.

In any case, this Olympic team will likely be the youngest among the 12 competing countries.  As a result, the chances for a gold medal may be slim. However, let’s not forget the youthful Miracle On Ice 1980 Olympics team – a model of success that Burke and his staff are striving to emulate.