Ryan Suter, American Hockey Hero

Kevin Allen at USA Today highlights the international resume of Nashville Predators defenseman Ryan Suter, who is currently a key player on Team USA's entry at the Hockey World Championships. This marks the 9th time that Suter has represented his country at a world tournament, at the age of 24:

Suter was on a gold medal U.S. team at the Under-18 championship in 2002 and Under-20 tournament in 2004. He also helped Team USA win a silver medal at the Under-18 championships in 2003.

"It's funny now because I see him playing at this level the way he played at the Under-18 level," [USA Hockey's Director of Hockey Operations Jim] Johannson said. "He's always had a calm to his game. ... He's never a wasted energy player. His stick skills are just polished now. He's valuable to us because he has blossomed in the NHL, but he understands the international game."

Ryan Suter

#20 / Defenseman / Nashville Predators

Height: 6-1

Weight: 196

Born: Jan 21, 1985

There's every reason to believe Suter will be a part of the American men's team in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver as well.