USA Hockey did a pretty admirable job keeping the Olympic team from being leaked before the unveiling. But their secrecy methods didn’t come without error.
In trying to be discreet, USA Hockey texted a 67-year-old Canadian man that he was in the running to make the team for Sochi.
The story came out shortly after the roster announcement at the Winter Classic on Wednesday.
Specifically in trying to contact Vancouver Canucks forward Ryan Kesler. Gord Miller from TSN has the story:
Before announcing the roster for the Olympic Team, USA Hockey sent text messages to players in the mix saying they would be contacted...
— Gord Miller 🌻 🏳️🌈 (@GMillerTSN) January 1, 2014
...but Ryan Kesler had changed his #. The guy who has it now said "I'm a 67 year old Canadian in Vancouver, I'd be happy to play for you."
— Gord Miller 🌻 🏳️🌈 (@GMillerTSN) January 1, 2014
And he added: "I think Canada would be even happier if I played for you." The USA Hockey guys had a good laugh.
— Gord Miller 🌻 🏳️🌈 (@GMillerTSN) January 1, 2014
Thankfully, Kesler eventually got the message.
“Obviously I’m excited, honored,” Kesler said after a 4-2 loss to the Lightning on Wednesday. “It’s going to be a special experience for me. I’m looking forward to it.”