Stastny Invited To Olympic Camp

Jul 10, 2009

According to the USHL website:

A total of eight USHL alums are among the 34 NHL players who have been invited to U.S. Olympic Men\’s Hockey Orientation Camp schedule for August 17-19 in Woodridge, Illinois.

The camp is designed to assist in the preparation of the 2010 U.S. Olympic Men\’s Ice Hockey Team that will compete at the XXI Olympic Winter Games to be held from Feb. 12-28, 2010, in Vancouver, B.C.

The former USHL players attending the camp include Detroit Red Wings defenseman Brian Rafalski who has twice competed in the Olympic Games (2002, 2006).  Rafalski played the 1990-91 season in the USHL for the Madison Capitols.  Five of the invitees were once named First Team All-USHL including Kyle Okposo (2005-06), Paul Stastny (2003-04), Joe Pavelski (2002-03), David Backes (2003-03), and Rafalski (1990-91). 

USHL Alumni Invited to the Olympic Camp

Brian Rafalski (D), Detroit Red Wings – Madison Capitols, 1990-91

Tom Gilbert (D), Edmonton Oilers – Chicago Steel, 2000-02

David Backes (F), St. Louis Blues – Lincoln Stars, 2001-03

Ryan Malone (F), Tampa Bay Lightning – Omaha Lancers, 1998-99

Kyle Okposo (F), New York Islanders – Des Moines Buccaneers, 2005-06

T.J. Oshie (F), St. Louis Blues – Sioux Falls Stampede, 2004-05

Joe Pavelski (F), San Jose Sharks – Waterloo Black Hawks, 2002-04

Paul Stastny (F), Colorado Avalanche – Omaha Lancers, 2002-04

In addition, three other players invited to the camp have playing experience in the USHL while members of the U.S. Junior National Team that first competed in the USHL from 1997-2001; Ron Hainsey (Atlanta Thrashers), Mike Komisarek (Montreal Canadiens), and Ryan Whitney (Anaheim Ducks).