COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Team USA released three defensemen Thursday in an effort to reduce its roster for the Winter Olympics.

Released were Keith Carney, Ted Crowley, and Tom Pederson, Coach Dave Peterson said. All three were expected to report to the NHL teams that hold their draft rights.

Carney, who played for the University of Maine for three years before joining the Olympic team this year, was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres, Pederson by the San Jose Sharks, and Crowley by the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Team USA will make more roster moves later this month in order to get down to the regulation 20 skaters and three goaltenders before the Winter Games begin in Albertville, France, on Feb. 8.