Deadline for Olympic hockey rosters delayed to Jan. 7

SAN JOSE — The International Ice Hockey Federation said Wednesday it had extended its deadline for teams to announce their rosters for the men’s tournament at the Sochi Olympic Games to Jan. 7, a week later than previously scheduled.

Several European federations had lobbied for the change, on the basis that a deadline that’s closer to the start of the Olympic hockey tournament would allow them to better evaluate the progress of injured players and pick suitable 25-man rosters.

The delay is good news for high-scoring forward Steven Stamkos of Canada and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Stamkos broke his right leg last week and required surgery.

Goaltender Jonathan Quick of the Kings, who is expected to be out of the lineup because of a groin strain until around Christmas, was expected to be named to Team USA’s roster under the earlier deadline.

USA Hockey said Wednesday it will stick to its plans to announce the U.S. men’s and women’s teams on Jan. 1 during the Winter Classic game, regardless of the new roster deadline.

The change was made in consultation with the NHL and the NHL Players’ Assn.

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