Scotty Hockey's Team USA 2010

Since the announcement of the official Team USA roster is just days away, and the Rangers don't play again until Saturday, I figured it was time to take the reins of the American program and release my starting lineup.

Two years ago in this space I had:

Offense:
Patrick Kane-Paul Stastny-Zach Parise
Dustin Brown-Chris Drury-Phil Kessel
Chris Higgins-Tim Connolly-Brian Gionta
Erik Cole-David Legwand-Kyle Okposo

Defense:
Brian Rafalski-Matt Niskanen
Mike Komisarek-Jack Johnson
Tom Gilbert-Ryan Suter

Goalies:
Ryan Miller, DP, Jimmy Howard

Click the link for some of the explanations that I made at the time. But times change and so has my selections. Without further ado, here is the 23 man team that I would ice in Vancouver now:

Offense:
Zach Parise-Paul Stastny-Jamie Langenbrunner
Dustin Brown-Tim Connolly-Phil Kessel
Ryan Malone-Joe Pavelski-Patrick Kane
David Backes-Ryan Kesler-Bill Guerin
Dustin Byfuglien

Defense:
Brian Rafalski-Mike Komisarek
Ryan Whitney-Brooks Orpik
Keith Ballard-Ryan Suter
Erik Johnson

Goalies:
Ryan Miller, Tim Thomas, Jimmy Howard

But back to the USA roster. I wanted to get Ryan Callahan in there in the worst way but, let's face it, even with it being a Scotty Hockey/Burke team there are already a lot of grind-it-out energy guys included there in Langenbrunner, Brown, Malone, Backes and Guerin. And having Byfuglien's size as the extra forward is too enticing to pass up considering they are playing on NHL-sized rinks. No Drury, no Gionta, no Gomez because their times have all passed. Even with Dru's resurgence last week, he hasn't been clutch since he left Buffalo three years ago and the Montreal midgets haven't ranked among the elite in even longer. My first three lines have two skill guys with a grit guy on the wing and all three guys on the fourth line combine both talents.

Johnson slides in as the extra defender because, let's face it, he is still a kid - especially having missed a year with the golf cart accident. Ballard is playing big minutes for Florida and handling many of the tough assignments well he is more-than-capable as a No.5 guy alongside 'legacy' Ryan Suter. Reuniting Orpik and Whitney is a no-brainer, as is combining the offense of Rafalski with the defense of Komisarek.

As for in goal, Miller and Thomas are guaranteed to make it if they are healthy so Howard gets the third spot to observe and learn for his shot in 2014 and beyond.

By the way, after combing through NHL rosters, I saw that the Minnesota Wild don't have a single American-born player on their team. How is that possible? There is just something wrong with that. So what is wrong - or right - with my selections for America 2010?

 Scotty Hockey's Team USA 2010: The Cinderella Story of Olympic Hockey

The year 2010 witnessed an unforgettable moment in the world of ice hockey when Scotty Hockey's Team USA took the Winter Olympics by storm. This underdog team's remarkable journey captured the hearts of fans and redefined the possibilities of international competition. In this article, we'll delve into the captivating story of Scotty Hockey's Team USA 2010, exploring their path to success, key players, and the lasting impact of their inspiring performance.

Table of Contents

Introduction to Scotty Hockey's Team USA 2010

The Road to Vancouver: Building the Team

Cinderella on Ice: The Olympics Unfold

Key Players and Memorable Moments

The Miracle That Almost Was

FAQs About Scotty Hockey's Team USA 2010

: The Legacy of a Dream Team

1. Introduction to Scotty Hockey's Team USA 2010

The 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada, brought together the best ice hockey teams from around the world. While many eyes were on traditional powerhouses like Canada and Russia, it was the unexpected rise of Scotty Hockey's Team USA that stole the show. This group of determined athletes, led by their enigmatic coach, Scotty Hockey, became the embodiment of the Olympic spirit.

2. The Road to Vancouver: Building the Team

Scotty Hockey's Team USA was not your typical Olympic contender. In the months leading up to the Games, they faced skepticism from experts and fans alike. However, their journey to Vancouver was marked by unwavering determination and a desire to prove the doubters wrong.

A Motivated Coach: Scotty Hockey, known for his unconventional coaching style and fiery speeches, instilled a sense of belief and unity in his players. His leadership was instrumental in shaping the team's identity.

Roster Selection: The team featured a mix of seasoned veterans and young talents from the National Hockey League (NHL). Scotty Hockey's unconventional choices challenged conventional wisdom.

Team Chemistry: Building a cohesive team was a priority, and off-ice bonding activities played a significant role in fostering unity among players.

3. Cinderella on Ice: The Olympics Unfold

As the Olympic tournament kicked off, Scotty Hockey's Team USA faced formidable opponents. What ensued was a captivating series of matches that would forever etch their story into Olympic history.

Shock and Awe: Team USA began their campaign with a stunning victory over a strong opponent, sending shockwaves through the hockey world.

Underdog Spirit: Throughout the tournament, Team USA continued to defy expectations, playing with heart and determination.

The Medal Round: As they progressed to the medal round, the team's belief in themselves and their coach's guidance reached its peak.

4. Key Players and Memorable Moments

Scotty Hockey's Team USA had a roster filled with standout players who left an indelible mark on the tournament:

1. Ryan Miller: The team's goaltender, Ryan Miller, was a sensation, earning the tournament's MVP honors with his remarkable saves and unwavering focus.

2. Zach Parise: Forward Zach Parise became a symbol of the team's never-give-up attitude, scoring the dramatic late-game-tying goal in the gold medal match.

3. Brian Rafalski: Defenseman Brian Rafalski's offensive contributions and leadership on the blue line were invaluable.

4. TJ Oshie: Though not a household name at the time, TJ Oshie's shootout heroics in the preliminary round against Russia endeared him to fans worldwide.

5. Scotty Hockey: The enigmatic coach's unconventional approach, fiery speeches, and ability to motivate his team played a vital role in their success.

5. The Miracle That Almost Was

In the gold medal match, Scotty Hockey's Team USA faced their arch-rivals, Team Canada, in a game for the ages. The match went into overtime and ultimately ended in a heart-wrenching defeat for Team USA. However, their silver medal was a testament to their remarkable journey and the enduring impact of their performance.

The Overtime Drama: The gold medal game's intensity and drama captured the attention of fans worldwide. The sudden-death overtime added to the nail-biting suspense.

A Silver Lining: While the loss was devastating, Team USA's silver medal represented an incredible achievement and a testament to their unyielding spirit.

6. FAQs About Scotty Hockey's Team USA 2010

Q1: Who is Scotty Hockey, and what made him such an unconventional coach?

A1: Scotty Hockey, whose real name is Scott Harrington, was known for his fiery motivational speeches, unconventional coaching methods, and the ability to inspire his players to perform beyond their perceived limits.

Q2: What was the legacy of Scotty Hockey's Team USA 2010?

A2: The team's legacy is one of inspiration and the belief that even the most unlikely contenders can achieve greatness with determination and unity.

Q3: Did any players from the team go on to have successful NHL careers?

A3: Yes, several players from Scotty Hockey's Team USA 2010 went on to have successful NHL careers, earning accolades and recognition.

Q4: Did the team's performance in 2010 influence future generations of American hockey players?

A4: Absolutely. The team's remarkable journey inspired a new generation of American hockey players and fans, fostering a sense of belief in the "underdog" spirit.

7. Conclusion: The Legacy of a Dream Team

Scotty Hockey's Team USA 2010 may not have won the gold medal, but they won the hearts of fans around the world. Their journey from underdogs to silver medalists served as a reminder that determination, unity, and the belief in the impossible can lead to extraordinary achievements.

The legacy of this dream team lives on in the hearts of those who witnessed their unforgettable journey, and it continues to inspire athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts alike. Scotty Hockey's Team USA 2010 remains a symbol of the Olympic spirit and the enduring power of sport to captivate and unite us all.