U.S. Hockey Team Includes Ex-Olympians

Four former Olympians - defenseman Chris Chelios of Chicago, forward Keith Tkachuk of Phoenix and goalie Mike Richter and defenseman Brian Leetch, both of the New York Rangers - were among 17 players chosen Monday for the U.S. hockey team at the Nagano Olympics.

Other prominent players selected for the February showcase are forwards Brett Hull of St. Louis, Tony Amonte of Chicago and Jeremy Roenick of Phoenix.

Chelios played in the 1984 Winter Games, Leetch and Richter were on the 1988 team and Tkachuk played in 1992.

Fifteen of the players chosen were on the U.S. team that won the World Cup tournament in 1996. Washington Capitals coach Ron Wilson, who coached that squad, will coach the Olympic team.

This winter marks the first time the NHL is interrupting its season to compete in the Olympics. Fourteen countries will participate, with six teams - Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, Russia, Sweden and the United States - automatically advancing to the championship round.

Six more players, a goalie and five skaters, will be picked by Dec. 1 to complete the roster.