2010 is off to a good start for Joe Pavelski.

The Plover Native and SPASH grad was named to the USA Olympic hockey team on New Year's Day.

Pavs' addition to the men's team means NorthCentral Wisconsin will have two hockey representatives in Vancouver.

In December, Eagle River's Jinelle Zaugg-Siergiej was named to the women's US Hockey Team.

The press release regarding Pavelski is below:

MADISON, Wis. – USA Hockey announced the 2010 U.S. Olympic Men’s Hockey Team on NBC following the conclusion of the 2010 Winter Classic at Fenway Park in Boston and three former Badgers heard their names called. Defenseman Brian Rafalski will make his third appearance at the Olympics, while forward Joe Pavelski and defenseman Ryan Suter will make their Olympic debuts.

Rafalski, a Dearborn, Mich., native, makes his third consecutive U.S. Olympic Team. One of just two Americans playing in their third consecutive Olympics, Rafalski currently skates as a member of the Detroit Red Wings. The 5-10 Rafalski skated for Wisconsin from 1991-95.

Pavelski, a Plover, Wis., native, joins the U.S. Olympic Team for the first time. A member of the 2009 U.S. National Team at the 2009 IIHF World Championship, Pavelski currently skates for the San Jose Sharks. Pavelski spent 2004-06 at Wisconsin, leading the 2006 NCAA championship team in scoring as an All-American.

Suter, a Madison, Wis., native, carries on a family tradition by making his first Olympic team. Currently a member of the Nashville Predators, Suter is the son of Bob Suter, a member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Team that won the country’s most recent gold medal. Ryan’s uncle Gary Suter played for Team USA in 1998 and 2002. Ryan Suter skated the 2003-04 season for the Badgers.

Rafalski, Pavelski and Suter join former Badger Dany Heatley as 2010 Olympians. Heatley was named to Team Canada on Wednesday.

The 2010 Olympic Winter Games run Feb. 12-28 in Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada. The men's hockey tournament runs Feb. 16-28.