BERNE – Forward Christopher Higgins (Montreal Canadiens) and goaltender Alec Richards (Yale University) have been added to the 2009 U.S. Men’s National Team roster it was announced on Friday by USA Hockey.

The U.S. Men’s National Team will compete at the 2009 IIHF World Championship in Berne and Zurich-Kloten, Switzerland, April 24-May 10.

Higgins skated in 57 regular-season games with the National Hockey League's Montreal Canadiens in 2008-09 and collected 23 points (12-11). He added two goals in four playoff contests.

Having just completed his fourth season at Yale University of ECAC Hockey, Richards backstopped the Bulldogs to an appearance at the 2009 NCAA Division I Ice Hockey Championship tournament. Richards finished the 2008-09 campaign ranked eighth among Division I goalies with a 2.06 goals-against average and 13th in save percentage at 92.3.

Both players will be making their first World Championship appearance. Higgins previously represented the U.S. at the 2002 and 2003 IIHF World U20 Championships, totaling seven goals and five assists in 14 games.