Full Team USA roster announced for upcoming World Cup of Hockey

By @MichaelCaples –

Team USA’s roster has been finalized for the upcoming 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

As selected by team GM Dean Lombardi and his staff, the American squad – complete with three Michigan natives – will take on seven other teams (Canada, Russia, Finland, Sweden, Czech Republic, Team Europe and Team North America) in the NHL/NHLPA event from Sept. 17 through Oct. 1 in Toronto.

Muskegon native Justin Abdelkader and Livonia native Ryan Kesler were added to the preliminary 16-man roster that was announced in early March, while Ann Arbor Jack Johnson was added today.

Abdelkader, 29, recorded 19 goals and 23 assists with the Detroit Red Wings this past season, two points shy of his career-best 44 set in 2014-15. A Michigan State alum, Abdelkader has played in 480 career NHL games with the Wings, and he has 80 goals and 94 assists over his seven-plus seasons in Detroit.

Kesler, 31, posted 21 goals and 32 assists during the 2015-16 season, his second campaign with the Anaheim Ducks. A USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program and Ohio State alum, Kesler has 223 goals and 270 assists for 493 points in 815 NHL games. Kesler is a Selke Trophy finalist; he won the award for best two-way forward in 2010-11 during his time with the Vancouver Canucks.

Johnson, 29, is a NTDP and University of Michigan alum. The former No. 3 overall draft pick in the 2005 NHL Draft posted 14 points in 60 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets this past season.

For a full roster, click here.