Team USA reveals men's Olympic hockey roster for Beijing Games

Hockey is still being played at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing next month even if it won’t involve any current NHL players, and on Thursday, Team USA unveiled its men's roster.

The 14 forwards include Nick Abruzzese, Kenny Agostino, Matty Beniers, Brendan Brisson, Noah Cates, Sean Farrell, Sam Hentges, Matthew Knies, Marc McLaughlin, Ben Meyers, Andy Miele, Brian O’Neill, Nick Shore and Nathan Smith.

On the back end, Brian Cooper, Brock Faber, Drew Helleson, Steven Kampfer, Aaron Ness, Nick Perbix, Jake Sanderson and David Warsofsky will make up the defense corps, while Drew Commesso, Strauss Mann and Pat Nagle will man the crease for the American squad.

This group of 25 players includes 15 current NCAA players, eight European professionals, and two players currently playing in the AHL.

“We’re excited about the roster we’ve put together,” said general manager of the 2022 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team, John Vanbiesbrouck.

“The Olympics are the biggest stage in sports and it was fun to hear the enthusiasm our players have to represent their country. We’re fortunate to have a deep talent pool — thanks in part to all the great work of our volunteers in communities across the nation — and with the mix of players who are part of our team, we’re looking forward to competing for a gold medal in Beijing.”

With an average age of 25.1, the United States squad will be relying on some of their younger players, like Seattle Kraken top prospect and 2021 second overall selection Matty Beniers, or Ottawa Senators prospect Jake Sanderson on the blue line.

Only six players on the roster have experience playing in the NHL: Nick Shore, Kenny Agostino, Steven Kampfer, Andy Miele, Aaron Ness, and David Warsofsky.

The U.S. men will play their first Olympic contest on Feb. 10 at 8:10 a.m. ET against China.

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