Robert Esche is still alive

[Pondslider]

And he'll be playing goalie for Team USA in the World Championships.

April 15, 2008

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Goaltender Robert Esche (Utica, N.Y.) has been added to the 2008 U.S. Men’s National Team roster it was announced today by USA Hockey.

Esche, a member of the 2006 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team, appeared in 29 total games for Ak Bars Kazan of the Russian Super League in 2007-08. He posted a 22-5-2 record, 2.01 goals-against average and .912 save percentage, while posting four shutouts.

Esche has represented the United States in international competition on six previous occasions, including at two International Ice Hockey Federation World Championships (2000, 2001), two IIHF World Junior Championships (1997, 1998), the World Cup of Hockey 2004 and the 2006 Olympic Winter Games.

The U.S. Men’s National Team will compete at the 2008 IIHF World Championship in Quebec City, Quebec, and Halifax, Nova Scotia, May 2-18.



NOTES: Team USA will conduct a training camp from April 24-30 in Portland, Maine, including a pre-tournament game against Sweden on Sunday, April 27, at 7 p.m. (EDT) at the Cumberland County Civic Center. Tickets for that game can be acquired by visiting www.theciviccenter.com … John Tortorella, head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning, is the head coach of the 2008 U.S. Men’s National Team. Mike Sullivan, assistant coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning, and Kurt Kleinendorst, head coach of the Lowell Devils of the American Hockey League, will serve as assistant coaches for Team USA … The 2008 U.S. Men’s National Team is under the direction of Jim Johannson and a four-member advisory group, including NHL general managers Brian Burke (Anahiem), David Poile (Nashville), Ray Shero (Pittsburgh) and Don Waddell (Atlanta). Tony Rossi, vice president of USA Hockey and its international council chair, oversees all aspects of international competition for USA Hockey.

USA Hockey

[The Toughster]

[Patrick!]

hahahahahahahaha

DP, Miller, and Tim Thomas, and they choose Esche?

What. the. fuck.

[Toughsy]

"...and Esche has blown his cool, he's flipped his lid"

[buffalofan19]

Well, Ryan Miller had said that he hadn't decided if he was even going to play in the World Championships, so they are probably looking for a firm commitment.

[Officer Joseph J Whitestick]

Miller needs not be a dick and play.

[Sabres244]

hahahahahahahaha

DP, Miller, and Tim Thomas, and they choose Esche?

What. the. fuck.

I think it's up to the player. Thomas is playing in the NHL playoffs. Miller was probably exhausted and DP had surgery.

What other option you got, smart ass?

[treydawg]

I think it's up to the player. Thomas is playing in the NHL playoffs. Miller was probably exhausted and DP had surgery.

What other option you got, smart ass?

This guy


Got a problem with that?

[Smashingt]

Kinda funny that mika noronen played for the same team in the rsl.

[Thumper]

Esche has played some outstanding hockey in international play. The United States will still have one of the better goaltenders in the tournament.

[Sabres244]

Esche > Craig Anderson who is the other USA goalie.

[Sabres244]

If Esche has shaken his problems I think bringing him in for a try out for the vacant backup goalie position wouldn't be a bad idea.

[CaptPantalones]

I like Esche