The Czech Republic has released its “long list” for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia -- and a pair of New Jersey veterans are front and center.
41-year-old Jaromir Jagr and 37-year-old Patrik Elias are two of the most prominent names on the 67-man list, which includes seven goalies, 22 defensemen and 38 forwards, according to IIHF.com.
The Czechs, gold medalists in 1998 and bronze medalists in 2006, boast a veteran-laden team with a strong NHL influence.
In goal, Tomas Vokoun, Michal Neuvirth and Ondrej Pavelec will battle for the No. 1 job -- Vokoun carried the load in 2010, with Pavelec working as his backup and Czech Extraliga goalie Jakub Stepanek as the No. 3.
On defense, the Czechs feature a number of NHL vets: Marek Zidlicky, Zbynek Michalek, Roman Polak, Michal Rozsival, Jan Hedja, Radek Martinek and Ladislav Smid. It’s expected Tampa Bay youngster Radko Gudas and Detroit’s Jakub Kindl will also be in the mix, along with Washington’s Tomas Kundratek.
Up front is where the team boasts the most depth.
Jagr and Elias are joined by Martin Erat, Tomas Fleischmann, Michael Frolik, Martin Hanzal, Martin Havlat, Alex Hemsky, Jiri Hudler, David Krejci, Milan Michalek, Tomas Plekanec, Vinny Prospal, Vladimir Sobotka, Jiri Tlusty, Jakub Voracek and Radim Vrbata.
It’s possible that San Jose’s 2012 first-rounder, Tomas Hertl, could also be in the mix, along with Calgary youngster Roman Horak and Tampa Bay prospect Ondrej Palat.
For Czech Republic’s full 67-man invite list, click here.