Former Minnesota State men’s hockey forward David Backes is one of 34 players who have been invited to the U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Orientation Camp.

The camp takes place Aug. 17-19 at Seven Bridges Ice Arena in Woodbridge, Ill., and is designed to assist in the preparation of the 2010 U.S. Olympic men’s hockey team that will compete at the XXI Olympic Winter Games on Feb. 12-28, 2010, in Vancouver, B.C.

A native of Blaine, Backes completed his third year with the National Hockey League’s St. Louis Blues. He totaled 31 goals and 23 assists for 54 points in 82 games. Drafted in the second round by St. Louis in 2003, Backes has represented the U.S. as a member of the last two national teams that have played in the World Championships.

An All-American for the Mavericks in 2005-06, Backes compiled 46 goals and 73 assists for 119 points in three years with the MSU men’s hockey program. He played in Mankato from 2003-06.