Team Russia adds Alexander Semin to Sochi Roster

Team Russia announced today that Carolina Hurricanes winger Alexander Semin has been added to the roster for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

Though a previous participant in the Olympics and other international tournaments, Semin was excluded from the initial roster when it was announced on January 7. An injury to fellow countryman Sergei Soin (Dynamo Moscow) opened up the opportunity for Sasha to represent in his home country.

Via Tripp Tracy (twitter), Semin had this to say in response to today's announcement: " I am very happy to represent my country in the Olympics. My focus before and after Sochi is and will continue to be helping my team, the Hurricanes, make the playoffs."

Semin joins fellow Hurricanes teammates Justin Faulk (USA), Tuomo Ruutu (Finland), and Andrej Sekera (Slovakia).

The press release from the team follows:

RALEIGH, NC - Alexander Semin was today named to the roster of Russia's men's ice hockey team for the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia. Justin Faulk (USA), Andrej Sekera (Slovakia) and Tuomo Ruutu (Finland) will also represent their countries in the tournament, which begins Feb. 12.

Semin, 29, has nine goals and 12 assists (21 points) in 36 games for Carolina this season, including three goals in his last two games. A native of Krasnoyarsk, Russia, he has represented his country in nine major international tournaments, including the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. He helped Russia win gold at the 2008 and 2012 IIHF World Championships and also won medals at the 2002 U-18 World Junior Championship (silver), 2005 IIHF World Championship (bronze) and 2010 IIHF World Championship (silver).