American hockey player Bobby Ryan and David Backes scored unassisted goals as the United States beat Switzerland 3-1 in the opening game of one of the most anticipated hockey tournament’s in Olympic history.

Ryan Malone also scored and goaltender Ryan Miller made 14 saves for the US who have won the gold twice at the Olympic Games and both times at home (Squaw Valley 1960 and Lake Placid 1980).

“This was a good beginning,” said US coach Ron Wilson. “We are going to get better every game. This is a fairly quiet group, but quietly confident.”

The USA Olympic hockey team looks a lot younger in 2010, as the old guard of Chelios, Weight, Modano, et al give way to the next generation.

Here’s the team as it was named on January 1 by general manager Brian Burke.

Keep in mind that rosters are not final until 24 hours before the Games begin. Players injured before then can be replaced.

Players are listed by name, age as of February, 2010, and NHL team.

Goaltenders

• Tim Thomas, 35 (Boston Bruins)
• Ryan Miller, 29 (Buffalo Sabres)
• Jonathan Quick, 24 (Los Angeles Kings)

Alternate Candidate:
- Craig Anderson (Colorado)

Defense

• Brian Rafalski, 36 (Detroit Red Wings)
• Ryan Suter, 25 (Nashville Predators)
• Paul Martin 28 (New Jersey Devils) – withdrawn due to injury
• Mike Komisarek, 28 (Toronto Maple Leafs) – withdrawn due to injury
• Erik Johnson, 21 (St. Louis Blues)
• Brooks Orpik, 29 (Pittsburgh Pittsburgh)
• Jack Johnson, 23 (Los Angeles Kings)
• Ryan Whitney, 26 (Anaheim Ducks) – injury call-up
• Tim Gleason, 27 (Carolina Hurricanes) – injury call-up

Alternate Candidates:
- Matt Niskanen (Dallas)
- Ron Hainsey (Atlanta)
- Alex Goligoski (Pittsburgh)
- Matt Carle (Philadelphia)
- Rob Scuderi (Los Angeles)

Forwards

• Zach Parise, 25 (New Jersey Devils)
• Chris Drury, 32 (New York Rangers)
• Dustin Brown, 25 (Los Angeles Kings)
• Jamie Langenbrunner, 34 (New Jersey Devils)
• Paul Stastny, 24 (Colorado Avalanche)
• David Backes, 25 (St. Louis Blues)
• Patrick Kane, 21 (Chicago Blackhawks)
• Phil Kessel, 22 (Toronto Maple Leafs)
• Ryan Kesler, 25 (Vancouver Canucks)
• Bobby Ryan, 22 (Anaheim Ducks)
• Joe Pavelski, 25 (San Jose Sharks)
• Ryan Malone, 31 (Tampa Bay Lightning)
• Ryan Callahan, 24 (New York Rangers)

Alternate Candidates:
- Jason Pominville (Sabres)
- David Booth (Panthers)
- Scott Gomez (Canadiens)
- T.J. Oshie (Blues)
- Brian Gionta (Canadiens)

Invitees to Team USA Summer Orientation Camp:

Goaltenders: Ryan Miller, Jonathan Quick, Tim Thomas

Defencemen: Tom Gilbert, Tim Gleason, Ron Hainsey, Erik Johnson, Jack Johnson, Mike Komisarek, Paul Martin, Brooks Orpik, Brian Rafalski, Rob Scuderi, Ryan Suter, Ryan Whitney

Forwards: David Backes, David Booth, Dustin Brown, Dustin Byfuglien, Ryan Callahan, Chris Drury, Scott Gomez, Patrick Kane, Ryan Kesler, Phil Kessel, Jamie Langenbrunner, Ryan Malone, Mike Modano, Kyle Okposo, T.J. Oshie, Zach Parise, Joe Pavelski, Bobby Ryan, Paul Stastny