NY Islanders forward Brock Nelson named to Team USA for 4 Nations Face-Off

Leaks about the rosters began last night, but today, the rosters for the 4 Nations Faceoff were officially announced and Brock Nelson will be representing the United States.

"Super excited," Nelson said according to Arthur Gross of Newsday. " Happy to be a part and in consideration for something like this."

It was a bit of a surprise to most, including many NY Islanders fans, but according to Chris Johnston of TSN, the Team USA brass elected to go with experience over some of the young American talent.

Brock Nelson named to Team USA

Nelson, a native of Warroad, MN, is no stranger to wearing the Stars and Stripes, representing his country at the World Championships on five separate occasions, and holds the record for goals scored by an American in the tournament with 19. He also played for the US at the 2011 World Junior Championship.

Nelson has led the Islanders' best line this season playing alongside Kyle Palmieri and Max Tsyplakov. At the 4 Nations Face-Off, there's a chance he could play on a line with two players who represent New York in the NHL, but wear a different sweater.

Along with Nelson, Chris Kreider and Vincent Trochek were the surprise picks by GM Bill Guerin, but were selected for tehir versatility and capability of playing anywhere in the lineup. All four play a 200-foot game, can be slotted anywhere on all four lines, and are capable of playing on either special teams units. With the young firepower the Americans have up front, these three could make up the US fourth line.

Here is the complete schedule for the 4 Nations Face-Off:

MONTREAL, CA | Bell Centre

Wed, Feb. 12, 8pm: CAN vs. SWE
Thur, Feb. 13, 8pm: USA vs FIN
Sat, Feb. 15, 1pm: FIN vs SWE
Sat, Feb. 15, 8pm: USA vs. CAN

BOSTON, MA | TD Garden

Mon, Feb. 17, 1pm: CAN vs. FIN
Mon, Feb. 17, 8pm: SWE vs. USA
Thur, Feb. 20, 8pm: CHAMPIONSHIP GAME