January 4, 2010

Hilton High School's Ryan Callahan '03 named to US Olympic Hockey Team; Hockey at the Winter Games: February 16-28, 2010

For more: USA Hockey website

Hilton resident, Cathy Turner, right, shared 'Olympic Luck' with Village Elementary students Feb. 12 as part of a motivational assembly held in the school's gymnasium.  Turner won gold and bronze medals in short track speed skating in the 1992 Albertville, France Olympics and a silver medal in the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway.  She has two daughters who attend the Village Elementary School. Her message to students: "The secret to overcoming obstacles is to look forward to the things that you fear the most. Use imagery to think 'I can't wait to do this!'" 

Hilton High School graduate and New York Ranger, Ryan Callahan '03, has been named to the US Olympic Hockey Team.  The Men's Hockey Team begins preliminary rounds Feb. 16.  Visit the USA Hockey Olympic Team website.  He is wearing jersey #24.

Team USA 2010 Olympic Winter Games Schedule Date Opponent Time (Local/EST)

Tues., Feb. 16 Switzerland 12 p.m./3 p.m.  WON 3-1

Thurs., Feb. 18 Norway 12 p.m./3 p.m. WON 6-1

Sun., Feb. 21 Canada 4:40 p.m./7:40 p.m.  WON 5-3

Wed., Feb. 24 Quarterfinals Switzerland  WON 2-0

Fri., Feb. 26 Semifinals Finland WON 6-1

Sun., Feb. 28 Gold-Medal Game Canada LOST 2-3 OT resulting in Silver Medal

For more on the Olympics: 2010 Winter Olympics website/schedule

According to reports in Rochester's Democrat and Chronicle, Ryan's ability in hockey is described as  ". . . a good penalty killer, top five in the league in hits" by Brian Burke, general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs.  In his third season with the Rangers, Callahan has scored 9 goals, 10 assists and 19 points in 40 games and is fourth in the NHL among forwards in hits with 139 and sixth in blocked shots with 40. 

The Olympic Team selection process began in the fall of 2008.  According to the D&C article, Burke said: "We tried to pick a player based on a body of work. The selection committee looked not just for pure talent, but a high hockey I.Q. and speed.  We stressed character, players that can rise to the occasion.  And that's why players such as Callahan, Joe Pavelski of the San Jose Sharks, Ryan Malone of the Tampa Bay Lightning, and David Backes of the St. Louis Blues were given roster spots."

U.S. Hockey Team Roster: Goalies Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres; Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings; Tim Thomas, Boston Bruins; Defensemen Erik Johnson, St. Louis Blues; Jack Johnson, Los Angeles Kings; Mike Komisarek, Toronto Maple Leafs,;Paul Martin, New Jersey Devils; Brooks Orpik, Pittsburgh Penguins; Brian Rafalski, Detroit Red Wings; Ryan Suter, Nashville Predators; Forwards David Backes, St. Louis Blues; Dustin Brown, Los Angeles Kings; Ryan Callahan, New York Rangers; Chris Drury, New York Rangers; Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks; Ryan Kesler, Vancouver Canucks; Phil Kessel, Toronto Maple Leafs; Jamie Langenbrunner, New Jersey Devils; Ryan Malone, Tampa Bay Lightning; Zach Parise, New Jersey Devils; Joe Pavelski, San Jose Sharks; Bobby Ryan, Anaheim Ducks; Paul Stastny, Colorado Avalanche.

For more: Ryan Callahan.