The U.S. Olympic men's hockey team got a lot older, more experienced and tougher to score on ? theoretically, at least ? with the addition of two players Wednesday night.
Capping a couple of remarkable comebacks, NHL standout goalies Mike Richter (Rangers) and Tom Barrasso (Hurricanes) were added to the American roster by U.S. coach Herb Brooks and general manager Craig Patrick.
The U.S. still has tough decisions to make with six spots to be filled before Saturday's deadline. Putting these two veterans ? Richter is 35, Barrasso is 36 ? on the goalie depth chart was an "easy choice" for the American hockey officials.
They're playing great," Patrick said. "They have great experience both internationally and in the NHL. Everybody knows their record. Tom has had a great comeback and Mike Richter has had a great comeback from his injury."
If Richter can battle against Olympic opponents as successfully as he has against a couple of recent knee injuries, hockey foes will have a tough time finding the back of the net against Team USA this February.
Richter has had to overcome two serious knee injuries since his last international experience, when he earned MVP honors for the United States' surprising gold-medal victory in the 1996 World Cup of Hockey and started for the Americans in the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan.
The New York Rangers star injured his left knee in the 2000 All-Star skills competition and missed the last quarter of the NHL season this past spring after tearing up his right knee.
Richter, a two-time Olympian, has been solid so far this season in New York, recording a 14-9-3 record with a 2.69 goals-against average.
He participated in the U.S. men's hockey team orientation camp in September in Colorado Springs and should battle Nashville's Mike Dunham for the starting goalie spot.
"He deserves it. From where he's come from ? even at the start of the season ? to now is remarkable," said Rangers coach Ron Low.
Barrasso is back in the NHL this season after sitting out last year for personal reasons. He has a 9-9-3 record and a 2.34 GAA. He logged extensive time in the net for the United States in an international arena in the 1980s.
"We are adding two very experienced and accomplished goaltenders who are playing close to, or at, the top of their game," Patrick said.
"We're very pleased that they are having superior years, because strong goaltending will be extremely important to being successful in the Olympics."
The remaining spots on the U.S. roster were supposed to be announced Wednesday but will be put off until the weekend. The Americans currently have 10 forwards, four defensemen and three goalies.
Most likely it will be Saturday," Patrick said. "I think we've identified the people, but we're deciding what the balance should be between forwards and defense."
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