Oshie on Sochi: 'It would mean everything to me and my family'

St. Louis Blues forward T.J. Oshie is looking forward to the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi just as much as everyone else is. He believes he has a better opportunity this year than in 2010 to represent Team USA.

Louie Korac of NHL.com spoke to Oshie about his wishes to represent Team USA and how far he has come from the same desire four years ago.

Oshie realizes he has grown as a player, and doesn't think of himself as a long shot, "Then, I think it was just more so hope and pray, maybe I'll catch someone's eye. I think now I've put myself in a good position to where I've established myself as an NHL player. Now it just comes down to me playing the same way and playing well." 

While maturing has a lot to do with the development and approach of his game, Oshie has a different outlook as well, "I think I was very inexperienced in the maturity department... Now there's a sense of business. There's a sense when I get to the rink, I'm coming in here and I'm going on the ice to win. I'm not going on the ice to get points, I'm not going on the ice to make a highlight-reel hit or goal. I'm coming to the rink now and I just want to win."

Blues general manager Doug Armstrong also praised the positive development of Oshie over the last four years, "He's a really talented two-way player. His game is more dynamic and more diversified than just points. He's a good penalty killer, he brings a positive energy on the ice and a positive energy in the locker room also."

Of course there are no guarantees when it comes to making the USA's Olympic hockey team, but Oshie has a good shot at it. Without hanging his hopes on a roster spot Oshie mentioned the honor it would be. "It would be amazing to me. It would mean everything to me and my family. I don't know if I can express what it would be like until it actually happens."

All team rosters will be submitted to the IIHF on January 7th. You can read the full interview here.