York Remembers Olympic Moment
February 24, 2010 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Rochester Americans News Release
Today at 3:00 p.m., Team USA will take on Switzerland at the XXI Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. This morning, 2,800 miles away in Rochester, NY, left wing Mike York leaned against the locker room wall in The Blue Cross Arena and reminisced about his Olympic experience.
It was eight years ago, that the then 24 year old was a member of Team USA at the XIX Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City, Utah.
"It was incredible. I had a great time. At the time I was one of the youngest players on the team," said York, who now plays for the American Hockey League's Rochester Americans. "I got to play with guys that I grew up idolizing."
The Waterford, Michigan, native played alongside players like Jeremy Roenick, Chris Chelios, Keith Tkachuk, Brian Rafalski, Mike Modano, John LeClair and Brett Hull. York was an up-and-coming forward with the New York Rangers when he was named to Team USA and joined teammates Brian Leetch and Mike Richter on the U.S. squad.
"We flew in from New York. There were 5 or 6 of us and we took the Rangers' plane to Salt Lake," said York about missing the opening ceremonies. "The gold medal game was the same night as the closing ceremonies.
Despite missing the pageantry of the Olympics, York enjoyed his stint with Team USA. The Americans went 2-0-1 to finish second in the round robin and advanced to the gold medal game against Canada after a 3-2 win over Russia. Canada won the gold medal, defeating the USA by three goals, 5-2. York finished the tournament with one assist in six games and took home a silver medal.
"It is neat to have a medal from the Olympics," said the 32-year-old York. "At the time, it was disappointing, but as I look back it was a great opportunity. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience."
York admits with his busy schedule he will "try" to watch the United States play the Swiss today in the Quarterfinals.
"If my wife lets me," he said with a laugh. "More than likely (I will watch it)."
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