Christian Hanson's long-awaited offensive spurt in Game 82 for the Maple Leafs was well timed.
The forward's first two goals in 31 games gave his backers on the U.S. national team selection committee, including Toronto general manager Brian Burke, a bit more ammuntion to pick him for the world championship next month in Germany.
"We had a list and I let other people on the committee talk about him first," Burke said of giving his own Pennsylvania-born player a push. "We all see Christian as a guy who can do well in a tournament like this and, of course, I'm thrilled for him."
Hanson was one of 12 Americans named Thursday, with ex-Leaf goalie Scott Clemmensen, defencemen Taylor Chorney, Mike Lundin, Jack Hillen, and Matt Gilroy and forwards Kyle Okposo, Eric Nystrom, Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan Carter, David Moss and Ryan Potulny."
lance.hornby@sunmedia.ca
