Kessel omitted from Team USA’s World Cup roster

USA hockey announced the additions of St. Louis Blues forward David Backes and Toronto Maple Leafs forward James van Riemsdyk to their final 23-man roster for the World Cup of Hockey.

Surprisingly, during a red-hot playoff run, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Phil Kessel was left off the list, even after making the last two USA Olympic teams.

Also added to the team are Tampa Bay Lightning forward Ryan Callahan and Washington Capitals defenseman Matt Niskanen.

Here's the full team:

Goaltenders

Ben Bishop, Tampa Bay Lightning
Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings
Cory Schneider, New Jersey Devils

Defenseman

Dustin Byfuglien, Winnipeg Jets
John Carlson, Washington Capitals
Erik Johnson, Colorado Avalanche *
Jack Johnson, Columbus Blue Jackets *
Ryan McDonagh, New York Rangers
Matt Niskanen, Washington Capitals *
Ryan Suter, Minnesota Wild

Forwards

Justin Abdelkader, Detroit Red Wings
David Backes, St. Louis Blues *
Ryan Callahan, Tampa Bay Lightning *
Brandon Dubinsky, Columbus Blue Jackets *
Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks
Ryan Kesler, Anaheim Ducks
T.J. Oshie, Washington Capitals
Max Pacioretty, Montreal Canadiens
Zach Parise, Minnesota Wild
Joe Pavelski, San Jose Sharks
Derek Stepan, New York Rangers
James van Riemsdyk, Toronto Maple Leafs *
Blake Wheeler, Winnipeg Jets

* added to roster Friday

The World Cup takes place Sept. 17 to Oct. 1 in Toronto.

Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *