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.
Here's the Team USA roster for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey! #WCH2016
— USA Hockey (@usahockey) May 27, 2016
Details: https://t.co/4jslvubWZk pic.twitter.com/Hoyh2nPYnL
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?
No Phil Kessel, Paul Stastny, Tyler Johnson, Kyle Okposo, Justin Faulk, Cam Fowler or Kevin Shattenkirk for U.S.
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) May 27, 2016
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
Team North America announces final roster for World Cup of Hockey 2016. #WCH2016 pic.twitter.com/gjuWQbXgy6
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) May 27, 2016
Get with the times USA Hockey. This is embarrassing.
Thanks for reading!