Beau Bennett, Brooks Orpik and Paul Martin among 48 players invited to the U.S. Men’s National Team Orientation Camp

USA Hockey today announced their Men’s Olympic team orientation camp roster and three Penguins are among the 48 players invited:

Forward Beau Bennett, and defensemen Paul Martin and Brooks Orpik. Orpik and Martin are very strong contenders for an Olympic spot.

Bennett is somewhat of a surprise invitee but Bennett getting invited shows how high he is regarded by the management team and coaching staff that includes Dan Bylsma as head coach and Ray Shero as the No. 2 man among the Team USA management team.

Team Canada also announced their orientation camp roster and four Penguins have been invited, Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang, James Neal and Chris Kunitz.

Crosby and Letang are locks while Neal and Kunitz are considered longshots.

Marc Andre Fleury the No. 3 goaltender of the 2010 Olympic team did not receive an invite. Five goaltenders were invited: Roberto Luongo, Carey Price, Mike Smith, Braden Holtby and Corey Crawford.

Fleury’s stock has fallen significantly.