Vienna Native Named To U.S. Olympic Team

VIENNA, VA—A Vienna native will be among the athletes representing Team USA in the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics in South Korea. Hockey star Garrett Roe was among the players announced New Year's Day at the NHL Winter Classic in New York City.

In the past, NHL stars have represented their countries in the Olympics, but the NHL recently decided to ban their players from participating. As a result, lesser-known players like Roe have been given the opportunity to suit up for their countries.

Roe, 29, is a forward for the EV Zug in the Swiss National League. He was chosen in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by the Los Angeles Kings and got to play for the minor league affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers among other professional teams. Originally he began his hockey career in the local area, playing youth hockey for the Washington Little Capitals and Reston Raiders.

Another athlete representing Northern Virginia will be Maame Biney, 17, of Reston. She secured her spot on the U.S. Olympic short-track speedskating team, becoming the first black woman ever to qualify for the American Olympic speedskating team.

The Olympics will be held Feb. 9-25. See the full roster for Team USA here.

Reporting by Patch editor Dan Taylor

Image via Team USA