Rink report

0 Comments | USA TODAY, December, 2006 | by Kevin Allen

Team USA loaded with first-rounders: Seven NHL first-round picks, including three on defense, will play for Team USA in the world junior championships Dec. 26-Jan. 5 in Sweden. Headlining the group is University of Minnesota defenseman Erik Johnson, the first pick in the 2006 draft. He will be joined on defense by Jack Johnson (Los Angeles Kings) and Chris Lee (Ottawa Senators), both former first-rounders.

Experience is the hallmark of this team. Sixteen players own a gold medal in international competition. Returners from last year's squad include Chicago Blackhawks first-round pick Jack Skille, who helped Wisconsin win an NCAA championship last spring, and Peter Mueller, a play-making center taken eighth overall by the Phoenix Coyotes last June. New York Islanders...