Ottawa Senators Winger Bobby Ryan Snubbed From USA Olympic Team

Moments after the conclusion of the Winter Classic in Detroit, USA Hockey announced their 25 man roster that would represent the country at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.

Two members of the Ottawa Senators had hopes entering the season of making the team, and up to the midway point, at least one of them seemed like a sure thing.

While Craig Anderson struggled in the first half and played his way out of contention early on, winger Bobby Ryan figured to have done enough to make the roster.  Ryan sits fifth among all US born NHLers in points and 3rd in goals.  He had at least 30 goals in each of his 4 full seasons in the NHL, and figures to get almost 40 this year.  He also played on the 2010 Silver Medal team in Vancouver.

Alas, this time around, the Senators winger was snubbed and was not named to the roster.  It is early for a reaction, but I can only imagine how disappointed and, quite frankly, pissed off he will be heading into the New Year.

One of the greatest American players of all time also had the same reaction

"How the hell does @b_ryan9 not make the @usahockey Olympic team.!!!?— Mike Modano (@9modano) January 1, 2014"

It is a pretty good roster of wingers that make up the team, but surely Ryan is the equal or better than the likes of Max Paciroretty, Blake Wheeler or James van Riemsdyk, all of whom made the group of 14 forwards.

I don’t quite understand the decision making that went into it, and I can only hope Ryan plays the rest of the season with a massive chip on his shoulder to prove to those in charge of the team that they made a huge mistake.