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Phil Kessel Left Off World Cup Roster, Team USA Roster A Train Wreck |
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In a move that makes little sense Team USA has omitted Phil Kessel (among others) from their World Cup roster.
USA Hockey has been stuck using dated philosophies for roster construction at the major international tournaments so while the omission is surprising it isn't shocking. USA Hockey loves the idea of role players IE: penalty killing specialists to fill out their rosters. They don't understand that anybody can penalty kill and that you should just find the best players.
I mean that is the best USA can do? Jack Johnson? Ryan Callahan? Man, this country's hockey brass still doesn't get it. Were these choices aided by random dreams again?
Their choice to hire John Tortorella to coach the team just compounds the issue.
Perhaps this news will disappoint Kessel over the summer but for right now I think he's doing just fine helping lead a team to the Stanley Cup Final while being mentioned as a candidate for the Conn Smythe Trophy.
Phil Kessel was the best forward in Sochi on a team that struggled to find offense. He had five goals and eight points in six games.
Don't be shocked if the 23 and under team handles Team USA
Get with the times USA Hockey. This is embarrassing.
Thanks for reading!