Roster Named for U.S. In-Line Hockey Team

The United States, seeking its third consecutive gold medal, announced its roster Friday for the International Ice Hockey Federation In-Line Hockey World Championships, July 20-25 in Anaheim.

Joe Cook, an original member of the Bullfrogs, returns to the U.S. team. He was named top defenseman at the 1996 World Championships, when the U.S. defeated Canada, 13-5, in the title game. He repeated that honor last year, when the U.S. again beat Canada, 5-4, for the championship. He was captain of both teams.

Cook, 27, from Rancho Santa Margarita, retired from professional roller hockey during the 1997 season after suffering a concussion.

Four members of the current Bullfrog team were named to the U.S. squad: goaltender Rob Laurie, defenseman Taj Melson and forwards John Hanson and Bill Lund. The Bullfrogs host the Richmond (Va.) Vultures in a Major League Roller Hockey game July 22, the same night the U.S. plays Russia at Disney ICE.

When informed of the schedule conflict, Bullfrog chairman Maury Silver said, “On game nights when we play, we’re using everybody for us. If it conflicts with our schedule, they [Bullfrog players] will not play in the IIHF.” The U.S. team is also scheduled for exhibition games July 18 and 19 when the Bullfrogs will be playing in Washington D.C.

Roy Sommer, assistant coach for the NHL’s San Jose Sharks, returns for the third time as U.S. coach.

The Canadian National Team also was announced and it includes Bullfrogs Mark Woolf, Kevin St. Jacques, Glenn Stewart and Darren Perkins. Canada has taken the silver medal the last two years.