Wednesday, December 19, 2001
Poti plays waiting game
By ROBERT TYCHKOWSKI -- Edmonton Sun
UNIONDALE, New York -- Tom Poti has to wait a little longer before finding out whether or not he makes the US Olympic team.
The American braintrust had originally planned to name its remaining few players tonight, but they've postponed things until Saturday because they need more time.
Marchant and Grier are longshots - the Americans have already named 10 forwards and only have three spots open, two of which will probably be filled by New York Islander Mark Parrish (17 goals and 30 points this year) and New York Ranger Mike York, who was fourth in NHL scoring heading into last night's games.
Other contenders include Shawn McEachern, Adam Deadmarsh, Craig Conroy, Brian Rolston, Bryan Smolinski, Marchant and Grier.
Poti, has a decent shot to make it on the point, though.
The Americans have already named four defencemen: Chris Chelios, Brian Leetch, Brian Rafalski and Gary Suter to the team.
Aaron Miller will probably get the fifth spot, leaving two vacancies on the blue line.
The list of American D-men includes Derian Hatcher, Eric Weinrich, Phil Housley, Hal Gill, Bryan Berard and Poti.
Poti has stumbled at times with the Oilers this year, but his skill, skating and creativity could be extremely valuable on the big Olympic surface.
"I'm just hoping, I have my fingers crossed hoping I get a chance to go,'' he said.
"Anytime you get a chance to wear the Stars and Stripes it's an unbelievable feeling and a great honour.
"It's definitely something I'd like to do, especially the States this year.''
2002 Games Men's Hockey Coverage
