2014 U.S Olympic Team Orientation Camp Roster Announced

Of the 48 NHL players invited to the 2014 U.S Olympic Team Orientation Camp next month, a total of 31 once plied their trade in the college hockey ranks.

Former NCAA players skating for a shot at the XXII Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia next February include goaltenders Jimmy Howard (Detroit Red Wings/University of Maine), Ryan Miller (Buffalo Sabres/Michigan State University), Jonathan Quick (Los Angeles Kings/University of Massachusetts), and Corey Schneider (New Jersey Devils/Boston College).

On the blueline, previous collegians include Dan DeKeyser (Detroit Red Wings/Western Michigan University), Justin Faulk (Carolina Hurricanes/University of Minnesota-Duluth), Jake Gardiner (Toronto Maple Leafs/University of Wisconsin), Erik Johnson (Colorado Avalanche/University of Minnesota), Jack Johnson (Columbus Blue Jackets/University of Michigan), Nick Leddy (Chicago Blackhawks/University of Minnesota), Paul Martin (Pittsburgh Penguins/University of Minnesota), Ryan McDonagh (New York Rangers/University of Wisconsin), Brooks Orpik (Pittsburgh Penguins/Boston College), Kevin Shattenkirk (St. Louis Blues/Boston University), Ryan Suter (Minnesota Wild/ University of Wisconsin) and Jacob Trouba (Winnipeg Jets/University of Michigan).

Up front, former college forwards invited included Justin Abdelkader (Detroit Red Wings/Michigan State University), David Backes (St. Louis Blues/Minnesota State University), Beau Bennett (Pittsburgh Penguins/University of Denver), Nick Bjugstad (Florida Panthers/University of Minnesota), Ryan Kesler (Vancouver Canucks/Ohio State University), Kyle Okposo (New York Islanders/University of Minnesota), T.J. Oshie (St. Louis Blues/University of North Dakota), Max Pacioretty (Montreal Canadiens/University of Michigan), Kyle Palmieri (Anaheim Ducks/University of Notre Dame), Zach Parise (Minnesota Wild/ University of North Dakota), Joe Pavelski (San Jose Sharks/University of Wisconsin), Craig Smith (Nashville Predators/University of Wisconsin), Paul Stastny (Colorado Avalanche/University of Denver), Derek Stepan (New York Rangers/University of Wisconsin), James van Riemsdyk (Toronto Maple Leafs/University of New Hampshire) and Blake Wheeler (Winnipeg Jets/University of Minnesota).

The U.S. coaching staff will also have an NCAA flavor, and will include head coach Dan Bylsma (Pittsburgh Penguins/Bowling Green State University), and assistants Peter Laviolette (Philadelphia Flyers/Westfield State College), Todd Richards (Columbus Blue Jackets/University of Minnesota) and Tony Granato (Pittsburgh Penguins/University of Wisconsin).

The orientation/tryout camp for Team USA will take place the final week of August in Arlington, Va., at the Kettler Capitals IcePlex, practice home of the Washington Capitals. The U.S. won Olympic silver in both 2002 (Salt Lake City) and 2010 (Vancouver) using NHL players.

The complete U.S. Olympic invitational roster can be found here.