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US Olympic Hockey Players Attract Unwelcome Attention


The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) says two goaltenders on the U.S. men's Olympic hockey team at the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver will have to cover or remove slogans they have written on their helmets.

Ryan Miller had the words "Miller Time" emblazoned on his helmet during Monday's practice time, while Jonathan Quick had the slogan "Support Our Troops" written on his.

An IIHF spokesman says a the International Olympic Committee prohibits any advertising, demonstrations and propaganda on a player's equipment.

Ryan Miller says he understands why he has to remove the "Miller Time" slogan, which is used by a leading U.S. brewery, Miller Beer. But he says he will appeal to keep the words "Matt Man" on his helmet, because it is a tribute to a deceased friend.

The U.S. plays Switzerland Tuesday in its opening game of the Olympic tournament.

Meanwhile, U.S. snowboarder Seth Wescott defended his Olympic title in men's Snowboard Cross Monday. Wescott overcame a big deficit against Canadian Mike Robertson to grab the lead about two-thirds of the way down the course and hang on at the end.

In the pairs figure skating competition, Shen Xue and Zhao Hongbo of China won the gold medal just ahead of countrymen Pang Qing and Tong Jian. It was the first time since 1960 a Russian or Soviet couple did not win the Olympic title.

Switzerland's Didier Defago won the weather-delayed men's downhill ski race in Whistler, British Columbia. The 32-year-old Defago is the oldest man to win the Olympic downhill, and gives Switzerland its first gold medal in the event in 22 years.

The United States leads the overall medal count with eight - that is two gold, two silver and four bronze. Germany has a total of five medals, while France and host Canada are tied with four apiece. Switzerland has the most gold medals with three.

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