Defenseman Kerry Weiland of Palmer Monday was named to USA Hockey's women's national team, moving her one step closer to the 2010 Olympics.

Weiland, 28, was one of 23 players selected to the national team after 41 players took part in last week's National Women's Festival in Blaine, Minn. The national team roster will be trimmed to 21 prior to next year's Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Weiland, who's 5-foot-4 and 142 pounds, could become the third Alaskan to play hockey in the Olympics.

Center Scott Gomez of Anchorage and goaltender Pam Dreyer of Eagle River both played in the 2006 Olympics in Turin, Italy. Gomez, 29, is Alaska's most accomplished hockey player -- he has twice won the Stanley Cup and has played nine seasons in the NHL.

Dreyer, 28, is retired from hockey.

Weiland will join three-time Olympians Jenny Potter of Minnesota and Angela Ruggiero of California on the team, which will play a 10-game, nine-city domestic tour beginning Sept. 25 in St. Paul, Minn., and ending just before the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, B.C.

Team USA will also compete in two international tournaments, as well as three games against the Canadian National Team in Canada and additional games against Minnesota high school boys' teams.

"We put a lot of time, energy and thought into the selection of this team and we ended up with a great mix of experienced Olympic veterans, as well as players who are looking to compete in the Games for the first time," head coach Mark Johnson said. "This process started three years ago and the experience the players have gained during that time will help them in our preparations as we move toward Vancouver."

Johnson is also coach of the women's Olympic hockey team.

ADVERTISEMENT