"Chris Drury, 32, is a somewhat curious fit on a US squad that features youth and little connection to America’s past Olympic endeavors. He also isn’t having a very good year with the Rangers, in part due to a concussion he suffered in November.
But Team USA’s hierarchy, including general manager Brian Burke and coach Ron Wilson, were adamant about including Drury. They consider the former BU star and onetime Stanley Cup winner with the Avalanche to be the consummate leader, akin to an extra coach.
“He’s there because of the way he played today,’’ said Wilson, who used Drury as his 13th forward and key penalty killer. “He does the little detail, grunt work. We have plenty of guys who can score and he can still score. But we need people dedicated to being on the right side of the puck 100 percent of the time and to lead by example. We’ve got so many young guys that to have a voice of reason and experience in the room is huge.
“At some point in this tournament, I think he will be a hero for us in one of these games. He reminds me, and I know this is going to be corny, of a Mike Eruzione type player. I’m not saying if we get to the gold-medal game that [Drury] will score, but he is that type of person - that glue in the room.’’
Kevin Paul Dupont, The Boston Globe
So basically Ron Wilson is using Drury as an on-ice assistant coach? I love that Drury is on the team, but I wish he was getting a little more love than this. The guy can still play, and he can still score even if he is having a bit of a down year.
I love the fact that the guy is getting credit for his leadership, which he should, but don't invite a guy to the team if you don't think he can play.
I hope Drury shows everyone some flashes of his old self and surprises the world with an offensive outburst up there in Vancouver to shut a few people up.
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