Patrick Kane has been officially named as part of Team USA’s 23-man roster for 2016 World Cup of Hockey. The NHL’s leading scorer during the 2015-16 season unsurprisingly will be a leading man for the Americans at the upcoming tournament in Toronto this September.
Kane’s inclusion on the roster is unsurprising as he’s been one of the top players for Team USA for years. Long considered “the face” of American hockey, that off-ice image has taken a hit over the past year, but he’s remained a part of Team USA and the league’s marketing of the event.
Other top forwards joining Kane on the roster include Joe Pavelski, Zach Parise, Derek Stepan and Blake Wheeler. It’s not quite the caliber of group that Canada or Russia boasts up front, but the Americans hope to counter with strong goaltending and a defensive corps led by Ryan Suter, Dustin Byfuglien and Ryan McDonagh.
Kane last played for Team USA at the 2014 Winter Olympics, where he recorded zero goals and four assists in six games as the team failed to earn a medal. He was also a part of the 2010 team that won a silver medal, recording two goals and three assists in six games.
Team USA announces final roster for World Cup of Hockey 2016. #WCH2016 pic.twitter.com/Aynwt7T5Ac
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) May 27, 2016