David Backes finishes his check on Sprunger.

Check out this hit by Backes on Sprunger. Backes recieved a 5 minute major and a game misconduct for this questionable hit. While this hit was a penalty and probably dirty, I am still a big fan of David Backes. I also like what David Backes he brings to the table offensively. I think we will see Backes on the 2010 USA Olympic hockey team.

Oshie and Backes to the Worlds

Nice to see a couple of former WCHA players get to play for their country at the World Championships. Now that the St Louis Blues have been eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs Backes and Oshie will give the USA some more offense. Oshie and Backes will join former WCHA stars, Keith Ballard Minnesota, Matt Niskanen UMD, Ryan Suter Wisconsin, Jason Blake UND, Kyle Okposo Minnesota, Drew Stafford UND, Colin Stuart, Colorado College.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- St. Louis Blues forwards David Backes and T.J. Oshie have been added to the 2009 U.S. Men's National Team roster for the 2009 World Championships.

Team USA will compete in the tournament in Berne and Zurich-Kloten, Switzerland April 24-May 10.

Backes posted career highs in points (54), goals (31), assists (23), power-play goals (6), shorthanded goals (2) and shots (208) in 82 games for the Blues this season. Backes also added 1 goal and 2 assists in four playoff games.

Backes is making his third consecutive IIHF Men's World Championship appearance, having played in the tournament in 2007 and 2008. In 2008, he tallied one assist in six games, while he notched three points (1-2) in seven games in 2007.

Oshie skated in 57 regular-season games with the Blues during his rookie season. His 39 points (14-25) ranked ninth among all NHL rookies and he finished third among rookies in points per game. Additionally, Oshie skated in all four Blues playoff games.

Oshie will be making his first IIHF Men's World Championship appearance. Oshie previously represented the U.S. at the 2006 IIHF World Junior Championship, scoring one goal in seven games.

Team USA will begin play in the 2009 IIHF Men's World Championship Saturday (April 25) at 10:15 a.m. EDT against Latvia. The United States will play two additional preliminary-round games against Austria (April 27) and Sweden (April 29) before the qualification round begins.