| 01 February 2010
Injury Forces Devils Defenseman Out of Olympics
NHL.com's All-Access blog notes that Paul Martin has been forced to withdraw from Team USA due to a persistent forearm fracture. Martin's statement was posted on the blog:
"After careful consideration, I have decided to withdraw my name from participation with Team USA at the upcoming Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver. While the decision was an extremely difficult one, I feel it is in my long-term best interest to not rush any return to the ice.
"Team USA was informed of my decision earlier today. I look forward to re-joining my New Jersey Devils teammates in the near future, and would also like to wish my fellow Devils' Olympians and the rest of Team USA good luck in their pursuit of the gold medal."
The decision leaves Team USA with at least one, and more likely two, blueline spots to fill by this weekend. Maple Leafs defenseman Mike Komisarek has yet to be cleared for full participation in contact drills and may also be replaced. The defenseman Corp for Team USA currently includes Erik Johnson of the Blues, Jack Johnson of the Kings, Brooks Orpik of the Penguins, Brian Rafalski of the Red Wings and Ryan Suter of the Predators. An official announcement is expected by this weekend.
Joe Tetreault blogs about sports, culture, business/technology and current events at TetreaultVision in addition to being the Editor for Bloguin's Olympic Hockey Blog.
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