With Team Canada’s Training Camp having been completed in Calgary and the team not due to be officially announced until December I thought I’d weigh in on my selections so far. I’ll post a blog later on about my choices for the final roster.
Goalies
Martin Brodeur – likely the starter and his job to lose based on past history
Marc-Andre Fleury – like Grant Fuhr, he plays behind a great offense but likely won’t make the cut
Roberto Luongo – back-up to Brodeur, unless Martin has an injury
Steve Mason – only one season of experience, not likely for 2010
Cam Ward – my pick for #3 with a Stanley Cup and more experience then Fleury and Mason
Defence
Francois Beauchemin – who?
Jay Bouwmeester – experience at world junior and world championships an asset
Dan Boyle – could be a great asset on the power play
Brent Burns – not sure what he brings to the table other than boring / steady play
Drew Doughty – certainly looking like the future of Team Canada, but is he ready now?
Mike Green – other than points in one year, what else?
Dan Hamhuis – loved him on the PG Cougars, solid D-man
Duncan Keith – loved him on the Kelowna Rockets – game seems suited to Olympic style of play
Scott Niedermayer – shoe-in for the team!
Dion Phaneuf – needs a good start to this season to have a chance
Chris Pronger – personally I hope not!
Robyn Regher – loved him on the Kamloops Blazers and a good shut down man
Stephane Robidas – who?
Brent Seabrook – loved him on the Seattle Thunderbirds, very versatile player
Marc Staal – need to build some youth on defence, would be a great experience for him
Shea Weber – loved him on the Kelowna Rockets, solid at home with a good shot on the PP
Offense
Jeff Carter – good on the PP
Dan Cleary – not his time
Sidney Crosby – no brainer!
Shane Doan – deserves to be on the team for all he has done for Canada!
Simon Gagne – injury prone as of late, not sure on him
Ryan Getzlaf – deserves a shot at the big time and was good at the World Junior
Dany Heatley – NO WAY DOES HE DESERVE THIS
Jarome Iginal – my vote for Captain Canada
Vincent Lecavalier – a shoe-in
Milan Lucic – loved him for the Vancouver Giants, but the Olympics are not his style of game
Patrick Marleau – not a chance with all that’s happened in San Jose
Andy McDonald – too small and one dimensional
Brendon Morrow – great leader and hopefully will get a good look
Rick Nash – shoe in
Corey Perry – I’m not a fan, but has a shot
Michael Richards – leadership and ability to change the flow of the game make him a fit
Derek Roy – too small and one dimensional
Patrick Sharp – as good a pick as anyone, but will he accept a 3rd or 4th line role?
Ryan Smyth – we owe him for all his Canadian Hockey efforts
Jason Spezza – again, too one dimensional
Martin St. Louis – has been a great international performer in the past
Eric Staal – not ready yet, but likely in the future
Jordan Staal – unsure?
Joe Thornton – see Patrick Marleau!
Jonathan Towes – a shoe in, the future after Jarome!
Overall Team Canada is deep in talent and no doubt expecting gold (along with all the fans), but other Teams will come prepared and with the structure of the tournament a tough road lies ahead! I for one can’t wait.
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