Badger Alumni Make U.S. Olympic Hockey Team
December 19, 2005 | Men's Hockey
A pair of Wisconsin hockey alumni will don the USA jersey this February as defensemen Chris Chelios and Brian Rafalski were named Monday to the 2006 U.S. Olympic Ice Hockey Team. The 2006 Olympic Winter Games run Feb. 10-26 in Torino, Italy, while the U.S. opens its hockey schedule against Latvia on Feb. 15 at 2 p.m. CT .
Chelios, who played for the Badgers from 1981-83, makes his fourth appearance for the Americans. He first skated on the 1984 team, finishing seventh. In 1998, when NHL players were first allowed to skate in the tournament, Chelios returned as captain for Team USA and helped the squad to a fifth-place result. In 2002, Chelios captained the group to a silver medal in Salt Lake City, Utah, falling to Canada in the gold medal contest.
When he plays his first game of the 2006 Olympic Winter Games, Chelios, along with USA teammate Keith Tkachuk, will become the first four-time U.S. Olympic hockey players. Chelios, who will be age 44 at the games, will also become the third-oldest hockey player in Olympic history. Only Hungarian Bela Ordody and German Alfred Steinka (both competing at the age of 48 in 1928 Olympics in St. Moritz), will have played at an older age.
Currently with the Detroit Red Wings, Chelios is the owner of three Norris Trophy's as the NHL's top defensemen. He also boasts Stanley Cup titles with the Red Wings (2001-02) and Montreal Canadiens (1985-86).
Rafalski, who played for the Badgers from 1991-95, will skate in his second Olympic games. Part of the American's silver medal run in 2002, Rafalski currently plays for the New Jersey Devils in the NHL.
Rafalski, a six-year NHL veteran, has won two Stanley Cups as a member of the New Jersey Devils, in 1999-2000, and 2002-03.
Canada will announce its Olympic team on Wednesday, with former Badger Dany Heatley expected to be named to the team. Former UW goalie Curtis Joseph is also in the running for one of Canada's three goaltending spots. Heatley skates for the Ottawa Senators, while Joseph is a member of the Phoenix Coyotes.
