Who Was That Masked Man

U.S. goaltenders Ryan Miller and Jonathan Quick have to cover or remove some words from their helmets that are in violation of International Olympic Committee rules. Or what, they'll force them down the luge track?

Miller had "Miller Time" on the back of his helmet on during practice and Jonathan Quick’s helmet has "Support Our Troops" adorned on his mask. Szymon Szemberg, spokesman for the International Ice Hockey Federation, confirmed both players will be told to take those messages off their equipment because it’s the governing bodies’ task to enforce IOC rule No. 51 that bars advertising, demonstrations and propaganda.

"We’re going to meet with USA Hockey to see what their thoughts are," said Bob Condron, spokesman for the U.S. Olympic Committee. "We don’t know if it’s a federation or a USOC situation." Miller acknowledged knowing about the rules that prohibit corporate sponsorships at the Olympics, but went ahead and had "Miller Time" painted on the mask he designed for the Vancouver Games.

Miller said he had been informed to get rid of the tag line because it’s a slogan for a beer maker. "Just having fun,” he said with a wink, wishing he'd had an actual endorsement. But he’s upset officials are also taking issue with the words "Matt Man" on his helmet because that pays tribute to a cousin, Matt Schoals, who died of cancer. "I’m going to stand up for that," Miller vowed.

By the way, Team USA beat Switzerland 3-1 in their opening round play. And here's an extensive media guide to the current team (as well as the past).