[Devils-list] Dunny news

[Dave Johnson]

Dee is forcing me to do this at gunpoint.  Sorry...


Dunham becomes first goalie to make U.S. team
Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Mike Dunham was the first
goaltender selected for the U.S. Olympic team on
Tuesday, less than 24 hours after he  agreed on a
three-year contract with the Nashville Predators.

"It's been a whirlwind," Dunham said. "I'm glad it's
over."

Dunham had been scheduled for an arbitration hearing
Tuesday morning, which the Predators avoided by
signing him to a three-year, $8.6 million contract
with an  option for the fourth year at $3.6 million.

As he walked off a plane from Toronto where his new
deal was reached, he learned he had become the 15th
player chosen for the team that will represent the
United States in Salt Lake City next February. Dunham
played for the United States in both the 1992 and 1994
teams.

"Obviously, I'm very excited. ... It's just an honor
to be a part of that team. It's going to be a lot of
fun. Obviously with the forwards that we have, those
who have been named, there's going to be some
expectations to do well, and I'm looking forward to
being a part of that," Dunham said.

Predators general manager David Poile said Dunham's
timing couldn't be more perfect.

"He's gone through the trials and tribulations of a
young goalie trying to break into the NHL, playing in
the minors, playing behind a great goalie. Now's his
time to lead us  and his country. The goal for us is
the playoffs and for his country it's the gold medal,"
Poile said.

The expansion Predators made Dunham their goalie
before their first game, and he  has responded by
winning more games each season, going from 16 to a
career-high  21 last season. He was second in the NHL
with a .923 save percentage last season.

In 1994, Dunham was 0-1-2 with a 5.00 goals-against
average when the United States finished eighth at
Lillehammer. He was a member of the bronze
medal-winning team at Albertville in 1992 and also has
played for the United States in three World 
Championships.

The defensemen already chosen for the U.S. team are
Chris Chelios, Detroit; Brian  Leetch, New York
Rangers; Brian Rafalski, New Jersey; and Gary Suter,
San Jose.

Forwards selected are Tony Amonte, Chicago; Chris
Drury, Colorado; Bill Guerin, Boston; Brett Hull, an
unrestricted free agent; John LeClair and Jeremy
Roenick,  Philadelphia; Mike Modano, Dallas; and Keith
Tkachuk, Doug Weight and Scott Young, St. Louis.

The U.S. team has invited four other goalies to its
Sept. 4-7 camp: Robert Esche,   Phoenix; Brent
Johnson, St. Louis; Damian Rhodes, Atlanta; and Mike
Richter, New York Rangers.

                 The remaining eight members of the
U.S. Olympic team will be named on or before
                 Dec. 22. 

=====
Dave Johnson+++++++++++++++njdevilman@yahoo.com
Member, Amtrak Customer Advisory Committee
---------------
New Jersey Devils, 2000 Stanley Cup Champs
DC United, 1996, 1997 AND 1999 MLS Cup Champs...
...I'm Screaming Eagle #657

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