Stepan, Gardiner, Osiecki Get USA Invites

Like I had predicted on Saturday (let's be honest, it didn't take a genius), Badger forward Derek Stepan, and defenseman Jake Gardiner, both were named to the 2009 U.S. National Junior Evaluation Camp in Lake Placid, N.Y. which takes place August 7th through the 15th.

According to USA Hockey, "Participating players are candidates for the 2010 U.S. National Junior Team that will compete in the 2010 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship, from Dec. 26, 2009-Jan. 5, 2010, in Saskatoon and Regina, Sask."

Another item to note, and I'm not sure if I missed this before or if this is new information, but Badger assistant coach Mark Osiecki has been named an assistant coach for the 2010 USA WJC team. Former Badger assistant John Hynes will be the other assistant to head coach Dean Blais.

Here is an early prediction to the United States Roster:

G-Mike Lee (St. Cloud State)
G-Jack Campbell (USNTDP U-18)

D-John Carlson (London Knights)
D-Cam Fowler (Kitchener Rangers)
D-Jake Gardiner (Wisconsin)
D-John Moore (Colorado College)
D-Aaron Ness (Minnesota)
D-Nick Leddy (Minnesota)
D-Matt Donovan (Denver)

F-Tyler Johnson (Spokane Chiefs)
F-Danny Kristo (North Dakota)
F-Jordan Schroeder (Minnesota)
F-Mitch Wahl (Spokane Chiefs)
F-Phil McRae (London Knights)
F-Mike Chichy (North Dakota)
F-Jeremy Morin (Kitchener Rangers)
F-Derek Stepan (Wisconsin)
F-Kyle Palmieri (Notre Dame)
F-Zach Budish (Minnesota)
F-Drew Shore (Denver)
F-Ryan Bourque (Quebec Remparts)
F-Vinny Saponari (Boston University