Kyle Palmieri Added to Team USA Roster for World Cup of Hockey

Montvale, New Jersey native and New Jersey Devils forward, Kyle Palmieri has been added to the roster for Team USA during the World Cup of Hockey Tournament.

Palmieri will replace injured Tampa Bay Lightning forward, and former New York Ranger, Ryan Callahan on the team during the 2016 World Cup in Toronto, Ontario, from September 17 to October 1. Callahan had to bow out after having surgery on his hip on June 21, which will require five weeks of rehabilitation.

Team USA general manager, Dean Lombardi said, “Kyle brings an all-around game that we are confident that will fit nicely with the framework we are trying to build. He is coming off an outstanding year in New Jersey and will play an important role with our team.”

The 25-year-old forward had career highs in the National Hockey League in goals (30), assists (27) and points (57) this past season. He also added 11 goals and 12 assists on the power play. Palmieri played in all 82 games for the Devils during the 2015-2016 campaign.

Palmieri has helped the Red, White and Blue win medals on three different occasions. During the 2010 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship, he was a part of the gold medal winning squad. At the 2011 IIHF World Junior Championship, as well as the 2008 IIHF Under-18 World Championship, he helped Team USA to bronze medals.

In six seasons with the Devils and the Anaheim Ducks, Palmieri has put up 73 goals and 73 assists in 280 games. The Ducks selected Palmieri in the first round, 26^th overall in the 2009 NHL Draft.

Palmieri joins fellow Devils teammate, goaltender Cory Schneider as well as fellow New Jersey natives, Washington Capitals defenseman and Toronto Maple Leafs forward, James van Riemsdyk, on the USA roster. The Rangers will also have representation on the United States roster, with defenseman Ryan McDonagh and forward Derek Stepan.

Also representing the USA, are forwards; Justin Abdelkader of the Detroit Red Wings, David Backes of the Boston Bruins, Brandon Dubinsky of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks, Ryan Kesler of the Ducks, T.J. Oshie of the Capitals, Max Pacioretty of the Montreal Canadiens, Zach Parise of the Minnesota Wild, Joe Pavelski of the San Jose Sharks and Blake Wheeler of the Winnipeg Jets.

Dubinsky previously played for the Rangers while Parise was a captain of the Devils. Pacioretty is from New Canaan, Connecticut.

On defense, Dustin Byfuglien of the Jets, Erik Johnson of the Colorado Avalanche, Jack Johnson of the Blue Jackets, Mats Niskanen of the Capitals and Ryan Suter of the Wild.

The other two netminders for the Red, White and Blue include the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Ben Bishop and Milford, Connecticut native, Jonathan Quick of the Los Angeles Kings.