It has been 20 years since the NHL disallowed its players to go to the Olympics. Two decades later, countries will now once again have to figure out how to construct their rosters without the best in the game.
It’s a bizarre change of events but one that is understandable. On one hand, it’s great for the fans to see. The best players in the world play for their countries and we get an All-Star tournament. For the NHL, they get to market their sport on a global scale as the ice hockey tournament at the Olympics is one of the most watched events. On the flip side, there is a big insurance risk. You’ve got NHL owners and franchises who invest millions of dollars into their stars. If they get hurt at this event, there is no recourse for them and they could potentially lose millions.
While most rosters will be completed with former NHL players and those still playing the game overseas in Europe, there is a chance that a number of players from the college ranks could be involved. Here is a look at the five NCAA hockey players that could go to the Olympics for team USA.
Troy Terry
University of Denver
Terry dazzled at the 2017 World Junior Championships when he led the United States to a gold medal. He also won a national championship with the University of Denver, while earning the title of best offensive forward with the school. Terry is close to making the jump to the NHL with the Anaheim Ducks but it won’t be a surprise if he first competed in the Olympics with team USA. A skilled forward that can line up at the center and winger positions, Terry could be a lock to play for the United States barring a significant injury.
Jordan Greenway
Boston University
Greenway didn’t have the same star performance at the 2017 WJC that Terry did, but he impressed nonetheless. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of his game is his size, as he looks like an old-school enforcer and could be an intimidating presence on the ice. After performing at a high level for Boston University, Greenway should be in the mix as a potential NCAA player that could also join the US team in PyeongChang for the Olympics.
Ryan Donato
Harvard University
Donato be a junior at Harvard this fall but according to those that watched him at development camp this summer he already looks ready to turn pro. Donato could be in the mix as a player on the radar for team USA, especially considering his versatility and two-way play. Like Terry, Donato can line up at either the center or winger positions. An intriguing talent that seems more than capable of suiting up for the US team at the Olympics, it will be very interesting to see if Donato gets the call.
Trent Frederic
University Of Wisconsin
Frederic isn’t a lock to get his chance the way that Terry and Greenway are. However, he is a known quantity to team USA and he has impressed with the University of Wisconsin in each of the past two seasons. Frederic was Wisconsin’s first-line center during the latter half of last season and he could be a dependable fourth-line center for team USA that is able to hold his own at the defensive end of the ice. With a strong first half for the Badgers, Frederic could play his way on to the USA Olympics team.
Jake Oettinger
Boston University
One of the biggest issues on paper for team USA is goaltending. They might have to dig deep in order to find a capable netminder that can help carry the load in PyeongChang. If Oettinger plays at a high level at the World Junior Championships then it could be enough to give him a shot at playing for the US at the Olympics. He isn’t a lock by any means, but Oettinger has a legitimate chance at getting named to the United States roster if he can make a strong enough impression.
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