VANCOUVER (Reuters) - New Jersey Devils defenseman Paul Martin ruled himself of this month's Vancouver Olympics on Monday, opting to withdraw from the U.S. team because he has not fully recovered from a broken arm.
"After careful consideration, I have decided to withdraw my name from participation with Team USA at the upcoming Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver," Martin said in a statement released by the Devils.
"While the decision was an extremely difficult one, I feel it is in my long-term best interest to not rush any return to the ice."
Martin fractured his left foreman on October 24 when he was hit by a slap shot from Pittsburgh's Bill Guerin.
The United States opens their Olympic campaign with a game against Switzerland on February 16. (Writing by Steve Keating; Editing by John O'Brien)
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