Former Badger and current San Jose Shark forward Joe Pavelski will join the 2009 U.S. Men's National Team roster, according to USA Hockey.
The Stevens Point native played two seasons in Madison, leading the 2005-‘06 squad to a national championship. His 33 assists and 56 points were the best on the team that year.
Since then, Pavelski has played over 200 games for the Sharks, and was one of the team's two forwards with 59 points and 25 goals last season. San Jose was knocked out of the NHL playoffs Monday, getting upset by eighth-seeded Anaheim.
Pavelski will join former Wisconsin defenseman Ryan Suter on the national team, which is now participating in the International Ice Hockey Federation Men's World Championship. It will be Pavelski's first appearance in the IIHF Men's World Championship.
The U.S. national team has a 2-2 record at the tournament and is coming off a 6-5 overtime loss to Sweden. The next game will be against France, May 1.
