Daniel Zampogna/PennLive.com

With NHL players prohibited from participating in the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, hockey fans will be forced to watch players from the AHL on AHL contracts (among others) play for the Gold Medal. One such player is Hershey Bears forward Chris Bourque. And according to a recent report, it looks like the oldest son of Hall of Fame defenseman Ray is headed to Pyeongchang. 

According to a recent report, it is expected that Bourque will be part of the roster announcement on January 1 from Team USA. The 2018 Pyeonchang Olympics will be Bourque’s first international appearance since 2005, when he played in the 2005 International Ice Hockey Federation’s World Junior Championships as a member of Team USA.

Expect Chris Bourque (played on 2005 USA World Junior team) to be part of USA Olympic Hockey team announcement January 1. Bourque is playing in Hershey but only on AHL deal so he is eligible. #EverybodyPyeongChangTonight🥇🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/ewrFSOJhg8

— Bucci Mane (@Buccigross) December 27, 2017

In 32 games played with Hershey this season, the soon-to-be 32-year old (January 29) left wing has recorded 35 points (11 goals, 24 assists), and once again leads the Bears in scoring. A former second-round draft pick of the Capitals, Bourque has become arguably, one of the best players in Hershey Bears history in two different stints with the team. In 684 career AHL games played, Bourque has scored 229 goals and added 443 assists for 672 points; in 572 games played with the Bears, Bourque has scored 192 goals and recorded 378 assists for 570 points.

By Michael Fleetwood