Colorado Springs – Avalanche rookie Paul Stastny, who had 28 goals and 50 assists this season, and teammate Tyler Arnason were among 18 players chosen Monday for the U.S. national team that will compete in the world championships in Moscow beginning April 27.
Carolina Hurricanes forward Erik Cole and goaltenders Robert Esche of the Philadelphia Flyers and John Grahame of Carolina, all 2006 Olympians, also were chosen.
Also selected were forwards Phil Kessel and Brandon Bochenski and defenseman Andrew Alberts of the Boston Bruins; defenseman Matt Greene and right wing Toby Petersen of the Edmonton Oilers; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Jack Johnson; Hurricanes forward Chad LaRose; St. Louis Blues forward Lee Stempniak; Phoenix Coyotes defenseman Keith Ballard; and Washington Capitals defenseman Brian Pothier and forward Chris Clark.
The selections included two college players, goaltender Cory Schneider of Boston College and forward Nathan Davis of Miami (Ohio) University.
Four remaining roster spots will be filled following the first round of the NHL playoffs.
