Tuesday, USA Hockey released the list of participants for the camp,
Here is the roster:
Goaltenders: Ryan Miller, Jonathan Quick,
Tim ThomasDefencemen: Tom Gilbert, Tim Gleason, Ron Hainsey, Erik Johnson, Jack Johnson, Mike Komisarek, Paul Martin, Brooks Orpik, Brian Rafalski, Rob Scuderi, Ryan Suter, Ryan Whitney
Forwards: David Backes, David Booth, Dustin Brown, Dustin Byfuglien, Ryan Callahan, Chris Drury, Scott Gomez, Patrick Kane, Ryan Kesler,
Phil Kessel, Jamie Langenbrunner, Ryan Malone, Mike Modano, Kyle Okposo, T.J. Oshie, Zach Parise, Joe Pavelski, Bobby Ryan, Paul Stastny.
----
Ok, am I the only one thinking...World Baseball Classic issues? Now I know that the NHL will have a break for the Olympic hockey, but what happens if Thomas or Kessel go out there and hurt themselves?
I've never been a fan of a player doing something that may cause him injury. Much like Dice-K and the WBC, I am afraid that Thomas (the spring chicken that he is), will do something to pull a hamstring, twist his knee, etc. and the Bruins season is in the tank (no pun intended).
Could you look me in the eye and tell me that you're confident in Tuuka Rask manning the net should something happen to Timmer? Remember, there isn't much cap room available to go grab a goalie and do you really want to move a player and/or prospects to grab a rental?
Sure, everyone wants to be Patriotic and do their country proud, but I don't that to happen at expense of the Bruins and it's fans. Maybe it is all just me being paranoid, but when you take an athelete out of their element and have them competing at a high level, it tends to wear them down.
All I'm saying is Thomas is going to be 35 (maybe 36) by the time the Olympics roll around, we don't him flopping and jumping from one side of the crease to the other and hurting himself.
And maybe this is all bull and Ryan Miller will start most of the games, we can only hope....