Team Michigan

Last week we broke down Team Canada into 7 different provincial teams.  This week, we are breaking up Team USA into different States.  Being in Lansing, I chose to create Team Michigan.

Team Michigan:

This week we will be breaking down the Team USA’s 2010 Olympic squad into the best Olympic State teams.  There are 6 U.S. states which have produced 71.5% of US hockey players playing in today’s NHL(any guesses as to which 6 they are?).  Interestingly Michigan slightly edged Minnesota as the number one producer of NHL talent.

This team has some very experienced upper management, great goaltending, older forwards and a solid but not flashy defensive core.

Coach: Dan Bylsma - While he probably isn’t the most highly regarded person right now in Michigan after his Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Red Wings in the Stanley Cup, the pride of Grand Haven, Michigan would be my selection to lead Team Michigan.  While he doesn’t have a tremendous amount of NHL coaching experience he seemed to get the best out of the Pens for the short period of time he had them.  Plus with Mike Illitch as owner and Craig Patrick as GM he will have plenty of experience around him.
Goalie:

1. Tim Thomas

2. Ryan Miller

3. Brent Johnson

For complete look at Team Michigan, click here.