USA Hockey invites 34 players from 22 NHL teams to Olympic orientation camp

USA Hockey invites 34 players to Olympic camp

St. Louis Blues defenseman Erik Johnson is among 34 players invited to the U.S. Olympic hockey orientation camp in preparation for next year’s Vancouver Games.

Johnson, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2006 draft, tore two ligaments in his right knee last September during a team golf outing and sat out the entire season.

The first step in his return will take place Aug. 17-19 when USA Hockey holds its Olympic orientation camp in Woodridge, Ill. The gathering is part of the preparation for the Winter Olympics that will take place in February 2010.

Those invited Tuesday to the camp represent 22 NHL teams, but no one is assured of a place on the Olympic roster. A lack of an invitation also doesn’t eliminate any player from making the team.