An Early Look at 2010

I got a call from a good friend of mine last night inviting me over to his house for pizza and the Flames game. Now before I explain the events that transpired allow me to give you a little bit of background about me. I am a Flames fan, I am a hockey fan, but I am a realist. So last night when Kipper got yanked in favour of Curtis McElhinney, my friend and I both looked at each other and said “09” and with that the game was over, and we were playing NHL 09.

The reason I am writing about this is because of something that happened while we were playing. We were online playing as Team Sweden, and the poor soul matched up against us chose Team Canada. Well roughly 25 minutes later Team Canada had been dropped 7-3 with Wade Redden finishing -4. This prompted my friend and I (the two victors I might add) to both question Wade Reddens possible involvement in the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, and that’s when the idea to make a potential roster for Team Canada hit me. So sit back, relax, and enjoy.

Goaltenders-

Martin Brodeur (Montreal, QC)- Brodeur has proven that he is the greatest goaltender of all time and with what looks like one more season in the tank Brodeur will more than likely get the nod to start in Vancouver.

Roberto Luongo (Montreal, QC)- Luongo is a great goaltender, but Brodeur is just that much better. Bobby Lu will be able to step in against weaker teams and give Brodeur a break, and if by some act cruel act of God Martin Brodeur gets injured, Luongo is a capable back up.

Cam Ward (Saskatoon, SK)- I know, I know, Steve Mason is the greatest thing since sliced bread. He does however have one huge flaw…. he is young. Sure he has led Team Canada to a WJHC gold medal but the Olympics is a whole different level with a whole different group of players. Cam Ward has won a Stanley Cup and is a good goalie, remember he is a reserve goalie which means his chance of seeing action is almost zero.

*If you think Carey Price should be on the team, stop reading, walk away from your computer and jump in front of a bus.

Defensemen

Jay Bouwmeester (Edmonton, AB)- I hate Jay Bouwmeester, but Steve Yzerman sure doesn’t and that’s why he is on this list.

Dan Boyle (Ottawa, ON) - Dan Boyle has really proved himself this year, he can be a power play quarterback and has stepped up his play in the defensive zone. If his numbers can stay consistent next season he should make this team.

Mike Green (Calgary, AB)- As much as I would like to say no, his 28 goals, 37 assists and 16 power play points make me say yes, yes , oh sweet Lord yes.

Duncan Keith (Winnipeg, MB)- Duncan Keith is a defensemen that will put up points and keep the puck out of his own net. If he continues to improve he will make this team no problems.

Chris Pronger (Dryden, ON)- Pronger is a wrecking machine who knows a thing or two about playing defence and winning titles. Experience will be key on the blue line for Team Canada and Prongs brings that to the table.

Sheldon Souray (Elk Point, AB) - Souray makes this team as the seventh defensemen. He has one of the best slap shots I have ever seen and is clutch when the game is on the line; he also adds a physical dimension to a teams defence. Am I crazy for making this pick, maybe just a little.

Shea Weber (Sicamous, BC)- Weber has transformed into one of the best defensemen in the NHL. A huge hitter with great defensive sense and just the right offensive touch, should play well on the world stage.

Forwards

Michael Cammalleri (Richmond Hill, ON)- This pick is totally based on the year that Cammo is having and if Iginla makes the team there is a very good chance they could be playing together given their terrific chemistry.

Sidney Crosby (Cole Harbour, NS)- As much as I hate him he does have a place on this team, however if he is given any sort of captaincy I will boycott Team Canada.

Shane Doan (Halkirk, AB)- Doan has captained international teams before, he has veteran leadership and the skill to be a lower line player.

Simon Gagne (Ste. Foy, QC)- Gagne is back, and he is back with a vengeance. 30 goals while staying relatively healthy, that could be huge for the Canucks (as in Team Canada not Gaycouver).

Ryan Getzlaf (Regina, SK)- Getzlaf shined at last years WHC, he showed great chemistry with Nash and Heatley and those three guys pretty much wrote their names on the roster with their performance.

Dany Heatley (Calgary, AB)- See above for reasoning.

Jarome Iginla (Edmonton, AB)- An early favourite to wear the C for Team Canada, Iginla is a solid player who scores, passes, hits, he does everything. This is essentially a lock as far as I’m concerned.

Vincent Lecavalier (Ile Bizard, QC)- One of Canada’s premier players, lots of skill, lots of speed, if paired with St. Louis he could be even more potent.

Rick Nash (Brampton, ON)- Nash is almost automatic in international play, if the coaching staff breaks up the Heatley-Nash-Getzlaf line in Vancouver, I might just cry.

Mike Richards (Kenora, ON)- Canada is known for being a more physical team in the Olympics which sometimes leads to more penalties. Richards is a short handed whiz and a great fit for this team.

Marc Savard (Ottawa, ON)- Savard is a great set up man, and if paired with some of the great scorers on this team he could really tear it up.

Martin St.Louis (Laval, QC)- Maybe this is a bit of a reach but I like Marty St. Louis, he is fast, has good hands, and a wicked accurate shot. The entire package needed to play the international game.

Joe Thornton (London, ON)- Great set up man, has size to overwhelm smaller opponents, great fit in international hockey.

Coach

Mike Babcock (Saskatoon, SK)- Two weeks ago I would have said Brent Sutter, but now word on the street is that Sutter is falling out of love with coaching which could affect his choice to coach or not. Babcock has done a great job with the Wings and has won a Stanley Cup so he has the experience in crunch time.



Just a couple of points to close out this article:

· Scott Niedermayer was not included on this team because I believe he will choose not to participate in the Olympics.
· Cammalleri is a long shot to make the team but I think be may be selected as a reserve
· My choices for captains are as Follows
Captain- Jarome Iginla
Assistant Captain- Shane Doan
Assistant Captain- Chris Pronger