Team USA 2009 Announced

Team USA has announced their roster for the 2009 World Championships.

Goal: Robert Esche, Al Montoya

Defence: Keith Ballard, Zach Bogosian, Ron Hainsey, Jack Johnson, Matt Niskanen, Ryan Suter

Forward: Jason Blake, Dustin Brown, Nick Foligno, Peter Harrold, Kyle Okposo, Patrick O'Sullivan, Ryan Shannon, Drew Stafford, Lee Stempniak, Colin Stuart, Colin Wilson

That defence is a little young now, but in a couple of years they could a top blue line. Team USA is hoping this international experience together will fast track their development for the 2010 Olympics next February. John-Michael Liles is notably absent and may be dropping off of Team USA's Olympic radar.

The goaltending tandem of Esche (who has been in Russia) and Montoya leaves something to be desired. Ryan Miller clearly is not 100% healthy, because he could probably benefit from the game action right now. Craig Anderson is likely sitting this one out because he is a UFA and does not want to get hurt without a contract.

Up front there is little to get excited about. While that will prove to be a hindrance at the 2009 Worlds, the 2010 Olympic team should not worry, as there are many good young American players in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

There should be no surprise international veteran Mike Modano is not here. This is a time to test new players. Modano's Olympic inclusion will be an interesting debate, but he needs not prove anything here. Also absent are Buffalo's Jason Pominville and Tim Connolly. Both are nursing injuries.

This is a very young team, with an average age of just 24.47. That number would drop noticeably if you remove greybeard Jason Blake from the equation.