USA Hockey revealed its 2010 Paralympic sledge hockey roster, Tuesday.
Pending approval by the United States Olympic Committee, the 15-member team will represent the United States at the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games from March 13-20 in Vancouver.
"Trimming this roster from 18 to 15 was extremely difficult," said Ray Maluta, head coach of the 2010 U.S. Paralympic sledge hockey team in a release, "We're confident that the group we're bringing to Vancouver gives us the best chance to take home gold."
Nine athletes named to the team have participated in at least one Paralympic competition. The squad is headlined by 43-year-old Joe Howard, a member of every U.S. Paralympic team since the country's first appearance at the Games in 1998.
Other veterans include goalie Steve Cash, defensemen Taylor Chace, Jimmy Connelly and Andy Yohe, and forwards Brad Emmerso, Tim Jones, Taylor Lipsett and Alexi Salamone.
Goalie Mike Blabac, defenseman Nikko Landeros and forwards Adam Page, Josh Pauls, Greg Shaw and Bubba Torres will round out the roster.
After winning their first ever world championship last May in the Czech Republic, the U.S. team will enter the Paralympic competition as top seed.
The Americans are historically strong in sledge hockey, having earned abronze medal at the 2006 Paralympics in Turin, and gold at the 2002 Games in Salt Lake City.
