USHL Youngstown Phantoms

Road To Olympic Glory Goes Through USHL

Published on March 9, 2010 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Now that the smoke has largely cleared from the Winter Olympics in Vancouver and, in particular, the exhilarating men's hockey tournament, the time has arrived to assess how much hockey in the United States stands to gain from the Red, White and Blue's silver-medal performance.

After falling behind host nation Canada 2-0 in the Gold Medal Game Feb. 28, Team USA battled back, eventually tying the game late in the third period on a goal by Zach Parise with just 25 seconds remaining. Parise is the son of Des Moines Buccaneers General Manager J.P. Parise.

It was an inspiring run by the U.S. squad as they entered the game as the only undefeated team in the tournament, including a victory over Canada in the preliminary round. Team USA earned a medal in men's Olympic hockey for the 11th time, eight of those of the silver variety.

In a very encouraging sight for our nation's talent development strategy, five United States Hockey League alumni (and current NHL players) competed for the U.S. squad at the Olympics:

Brian Rafalski (Detroit Red Wings) led Team USA in scoring and was tops among all Olympic defenseman with eight points (four goals, four assists) in six games. He also ranked third overall with a plus-seven rating. He was named the best defenseman of the Olympics by the tournament directorate. Rafalski was All-USHL First Team during the 1990-91 season scoring 23 points (12 goals, 11 assists) in 47 games for the Madison Capitols.

Ryan Malone (Tampa Bay Lightning) had five points (three goals, two assists) during the Olympics. He scored 36 points (14g, 22a) in 51 games during the 1998-99 season for the Omaha Lancers.

Paul Stastny (Colorado Avalanche) finished with three points (one goal, two assists) for the U.S. squad. He played two USHL seasons (2002-04) with the Omaha Lancers and was named All-USHL First Team after scoring 77 points (30g, 47a) in 56 games during the 2003-04 campaign.

Joe Pavelski (San Jose Sharks) dished out three assists during the Olympics and ranked third among all players with a 68.12 faceoff winning percentage in the tournament. He spent two seasons (2002-04) in the USHL with the Waterloo Black Hawks and was named All-USHL First Team after totaling 69 points (36 goals, 33 assists) while playing all 60 games during the 2002-03 season.

David Backes (St. Louis Blues) chipped in three points (one goal, two assists), including the game-winning goal in the opening victory vs. Switzerland, and registered a plus-four rating for Team USA. He spent two seasons (2001-03) in the USHL with the Lincoln Stars and was named All-USHL First Team after scoring 69 points (28 goals, 41 assists) in 57 games during the 2002-03 season.

Headquartered in Chicago, Ill., the USHL celebrates its eighth season as the nation's only Tier 1 junior hockey league in 2009-10. With over 200 players already committed to NCAA Division I schools and 13 NHL Entry Draft picks currently on League rosters, the USHL is the nation's foremost producer of junior hockey talent. For more information, visit us on the web at www.USHL.com.

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United States Hockey League Stories from March 9, 2010


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