The U.S. Olympic hockey roster will be named on Jan. 1, 2014. The writers of Yahoo Sports and Puck Daddy have compiled their picks, with justification, for who will make up the U.S. and Canadian rosters in Sochi for the Winter Games.

We’ll cover Canada on Saturday; today, we’re picking the U.S. team.

Nick Cotsonika, Yahoo Sports NHL writer

Zach Parise-Ryan Kesler-Patrick Kane

James van Riemsdyk-Joe Pavelski-Phil Kessel

Dustin Brown-David Backes-Bobby Ryan

Max Pacioretty-Paul Stastny-T.J. Oshie

Derek Stepan, Ryan Callahan

Ryan Suter-Kevin Shattenkirk

Ryan McDonagh-Paul Martin

Keith Yandle-Brooks Orpik

Cam Fowler, John Carlson

Jonathan Quick

Ryan Miller

Cory Schneider

Up front, the Americans’ strength is on the wing. The challenge is matching the right centermen with the right wingers. The top two lines have a mix of grit, speed and skill, and Kesler and Pavelski are responsible defensively, backing up Kane and Kessel. Brown, Backes and Callahan could be an amazing energy line, but because Callahan is hurt, he’s in reserve for now. Ryan brings size and adds some score punch. Stastny is playing better than Stepan at the moment and holds the fourth center spot, but either could make plays with wingers like Pacioretty and Oshie. Toughest omissions: Brandon Dubinsky, Blake Wheeler.

Each defensive pair can move the puck and stay solid in the U.S. end. Suter should log heavy minutes and lead the corps, just as he does for the Minnesota Wild. Coach Dan Bylsma would be comfortable with Martin and Orpik, two of his Pittsburgh Penguins, assuming Orpik recovers from a concussion.

Cam Fowler might be the most controversial choice here. He’s only 22, but he’s in his fourth NHL season. He has offensive ability and has made strides defensively. As impressive as Seth Jones has been for David Poile’s Nashville Predators, he’s still only a 19-year-old halfway through his first NHL season. Dustin Byfuglien puts up the points in the NHL but is too much of a risk defensively, especially on the big ice. Other tough omissions: Erik Johnson, Justin Faulk.

Jonathan Quick should start in net if healthy and on top of his game. He’s the type of goaltender who can get hot and steal not just a game, but a tournament, like Dominik Hasek once did for the Czechs. Ryan Miller, who led the United States to silver in Vancouver, and Cory Schneider have played well in challenging situations in the NHL this season. Both belong ahead of Ben Bishop, Jimmy Howard, Tim Thomas and Craig Anderson.

Sean Leahy, Puck Daddy Editor

Zach Parise- Joe Pavelski -Patrick Kane

James van Riemsdyk-David Backes-Phil Kessel

Dustin Brown-Derek Stepan-Ryan Callahan

Max Pacioretty-Ryan Kesler –Bobby Ryan

T.J. Oshie, Paul Stastny

Ryan Suter-Kevin Shattenkirk

Keith Yandle-Ryan McDonagh

Erik Johnson-Paul Martin

Justin Faulk, Jack Johnson

Jonathan Quick

Ryan Miller

Cory Schneider

Not a ton of surprises here. A lot of familiar faces from 2010. If you've been in the Team USA program, you'll be rewarded by GM David Poile. The selection process wasn't based on the three months of the 2013-14 NHL season, but a player's entire body of work, including the times they've represented the U.S. at international competitions.

This is why Justin Faulk, a young up-and-comer, and Jack Johnson, a veteran, make the cut as extras. Both have donned the red, white and blue numerous times, with Johnson having played 128 games in his career for the Americans.

Quick and Miller are the obvious choices for two of the three netminders.Quick was the young netminder brought to Vancouver in 2010 or the experience. Now he'll challenge for the No. 1 role.



Ryan Lambert, Puck Daddy Columnist

Zach Parise - Ryan Kesler - Patrick Kane

James van Riemsdyk - David Backes - Phil Kessel

Max Pacioretty - Joe Pavelski - Bobby Ryan

Kyle Okposo - Paul Stastny - Blake Wheeler

Alex Galchenyuk, TJ Oshie

Story continues