Posted by Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun
LAS VEGAS -- It's not clear exactly what he'll be doing, but iconic U.S. defenseman Chris Chelios will be part of the American Olympic hockey effort at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia, in February.
Chelios confirmed to ESPN.com on Saturday he's been asked by team GM Brian Burke, also GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs, to join the team in some off-ice role. Burke told ESPN.com there are a number of great players who've played a significant role in U.S. hockey over the past decades, "but the greatest warrior of all was Chelly."
"We haven't refined his role. All I know is, I want him involved," Burke said.
It's unlikely Chelios would be a full-fledged assistant to coach Ron Wilson, but he may act as an associate coach or consultant of some kind.
"I haven't fleshed it out yet," Burke said.
Chelios, 47, is hoping to play at least one more NHL season. He just completed his 25th campaign and has played in more regular-season games and more playoff games than any defenseman in NHL history.
Burke hopes to identify the Olympic team's assistant coaches -- look for Peter Laviolette and/or John Tortorella to be tabbed as Wilson's assistants -- and release the names of those players who will be invited to August's orientation camp next week.
Burke said he will be inviting a small number, around 30, to the camp.
"Some people are going to be shocked at the names that are not included," Burke said.
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