Nathan Gerbe started the season in Finland with the Sabres. He's headed back there with Team USA.
USA Hockey named the first 17 members of its world championships team today, and Gerbe is one of 11 forwards selected. The Sabres' left winger joins notables such as Montreal's Max Pacioretty, Anaheim's Bobby Ryan and Colorado's Paul Stastny.
Meanwhile, Sabres coach Lindy Ruff has turned down an offer to coach Canada's team, TSN.ca reports. Considered a front-runner for the position, Ruff told The News following Saturday's season finale he had made no commitment.
Buffalo goaltender and 2010 U.S. Olympian Ryan Miller said this week he will not play in the tournament, which begins May 4 in Helsinki. The bronze- and gold-medal games will be held May 20.
---John Vogl
