Best 2007 Hockey Players In Usa
Introduction
Hockey is a beloved sport in the United States, with millions of fans tuning in every year to cheer on their favorite teams and players. The year 2007 was a particularly exciting one for hockey fans in the USA, with a team of talented players taking to the ice to represent the nation in the World Championships. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the best 2007 hockey players in the USA, their contributions to the team, and their accomplishments both on and off the ice.
1. Mike Modano
Mike Modano was a star center for the Dallas Stars during his career, and he brought his incredible skills to the 2007 USA team as well. Known for his lightning-fast skating, Modano was the team's leading scorer with 7 points in just 8 games. His contribution was vital in leading USA to a bronze medal finish in the tournament. Modano was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2014, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest American hockey players of all time.
2. Chris Drury
Chris Drury was a key player for the 2007 USA team, serving as the team's captain and scoring 4 goals and 2 assists during the tournament. His leadership and skill were instrumental in guiding the team to a bronze medal, and he was named one of the tournament's best players. Drury was a versatile player, able to contribute on offense and defense, and his impact on the 2007 USA team cannot be understated.
3. Erik Johnson
Erik Johnson was just 19 years old when he played for the 2007 USA team, but he showed remarkable talent and poise on the ice. A defenseman, Johnson played every game for the team and recorded 2 assists. He was also named one of the tournament's top players, despite being one of the youngest players on the ice. Johnson went on to play for several NHL teams, including the St. Louis Blues and Colorado Avalanche, and is still considered one of the best American defensemen in the league today.
4. Phil Kessel
Phil Kessel was a rising star in 2007, and he showed off his skills on the ice for the USA team. He played in all 8 games of the tournament, scoring 2 goals and 2 assists. Kessel's speed and agility made him a dangerous offensive threat, and he quickly became a favorite among fans. He went on to play for several NHL teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Arizona Coyotes, and is still an active player today.
5. Ryan Suter
Ryan Suter was another young player on the 2007 USA team who showed remarkable talent and potential. A defenseman, Suter played in all 8 games and recorded 4 assists, helping to anchor the team's defense. Suter went on to play for several NHL teams, including the Nashville Predators and Minnesota Wild, and he is still considered one of the best American defensemen in the league today.
6. Paul Stastny
Paul Stastny was a skilled center for the 2007 USA team, scoring 3 goals and 1 assist in the tournament. His strong two-way play and ability to create scoring chances made him a valuable asset to the team, and he quickly became a fan favorite. Stastny went on to play for several NHL teams, including the Colorado Avalanche and St. Louis Blues, and he is still an active player today.
7. Zach Parise
Zach Parise was a young forward on the 2007 USA team, but he showed off his skill and potential in the tournament. He played in all 8 games, recording 1 goal and 4 assists. Parise's speed and scoring ability made him a valuable asset to the team, and he quickly became a fan favorite. He went on to play for several NHL teams, including the New Jersey Devils and Minnesota Wild, and he is still an active player today.
8. Keith Ballard
Keith Ballard was a solid defenseman for the 2007 USA team, using his size and strength to shut down opposing offenses. He played in 7 of the team's 8 games, recording 2 assists and a +3 plus-minus rating. Ballard went on to play for several NHL teams, including the Phoenix Coyotes and Vancouver Canucks, before retiring in 2015.
9. Dustin Brown
Dustin Brown was a hard-hitting forward for the 2007 USA team, using his physicality to disrupt opposing defenses and create scoring opportunities. He played in all 8 games of the tournament, scoring 1 goal and 1 assist. Brown went on to play for the Los Angeles Kings for his entire NHL career, winning two Stanley Cup championships with the team.
10. Brian Rafalski
Brian Rafalski was a veteran defenseman for the 2007 USA team, bringing a wealth of experience and skill to the ice. He played in all 8 games of the tournament, recording 1 goal and 2 assists. Rafalski had a long and successful career in the NHL, playing for several teams including the New Jersey Devils and Detroit Red Wings and winning three Stanley Cup championships.
11. Tim Thomas
Tim Thomas was a standout goaltender for the 2007 USA team, using his quick reflexes and athleticism to make incredible saves throughout the tournament. He played in 3 games, recording a 2.36 goals against average and a .910 save percentage. Thomas went on to have a long and successful NHL career, playing for several teams including the Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers, and winning the Vezina Trophy as the league's best goaltender twice.
12. Jeff Halpern
Jeff Halpern was a reliable center for the 2007 USA team, using his strong defensive play and faceoff skills to contribute to the team's success. He played in all 8 games of the tournament, recording 1 goal and 1 assist. Halpern went on to play for several NHL teams, including the Washington Capitals and Tampa Bay Lightning, before retiring in 2015.
13. Matthew Carle
Matthew Carle was a young defenseman for the 2007 USA team, but he showed off his skill and potential in the tournament. He played in 7 of the team's 8 games, recording 1 assist and a +6 plus-minus rating. Carle went on to play for several NHL teams, including the Philadelphia Flyers and Tampa Bay Lightning, before retiring in 2018.
14. John-Michael Liles
John-Michael Liles was a skilled defenseman for the 2007 USA team, using his offensive instincts and skating ability to create scoring opportunities. He played in 7 of the team's 8 games, recording 2 assists and a +3 plus-minus rating. Liles went on to play for several NHL teams, including the Colorado Avalanche and Boston Bruins, before retiring in 2018.
15. Joey Crabb
Joey Crabb was a young forward for the 2007 USA team, but he showed off his skill and potential in the tournament. He played in 5 of the team's 8 games, recording 1 assist and a +3 plus-minus rating. Crabb went on to play for several NHL teams, including the Atlanta Thrashers and Toronto Maple Leafs, before retiring in 2016.
Conclusion
The 2007 USA hockey team was filled with talented players who showed off their skill and passion for the sport on the world stage. From Mike Modano's lightning-fast skating to Chris Drury's leadership and skill, each player played a vital role in the team's success. These players, along with the rest of the team, proved that American hockey is a force to be reckoned with, and their legacy continues to inspire fans and players alike today.
