Team Canada - Who gets the letters?

[PDO]

Just a thought I had.. who gets the letters for Canada, with Yzerman and Lemieux both being gone?

I think it's fair to say that Sakic will wear the C. After that, you can make a case for a lot of players to have those A's though..

The letters in SLC were:

Lemeiux - C
Sakic - A
Pronger - A

I could've sworn Yzerman had one as well, but I couldn't find any picture where I saw an A on anyone but Pronger or Sakic.

Sakic - C
Pronger - A

Then the last letter goes to one of.. Iginila, Niedermayer, Smyth.

Personally, I'd look at Nieds or Smyth, as Iginila has flaked on Canada various times. Smyth has worn the C for Canada multiple times, so I think he's a legitimate option.

I'll just sit here patiently and wait at someone to point out I picked both Oilers on the team to be the alternates ;)

[Man.Utd]

Sakic is the obvious choice for captain as you said. I don't see any reason why Pronger doesn't keep his A, so no Oiler bias there.

Not sure about Smyth as an alternate as there are a whole bunch of players who could deservedly get one (Niedermayer, Blake, Iginla, etc) and even more who wear one for their club teams but just have too much compeition on the National Team (Redden, Jovo, Thornton). But Smyth is definately one of many solid candidates. If he gets it you can't say it's a poor choice. As you said he has worn a letter for Canada before.

As you thought, Yzerman did indeed have an A in Salt Lake City. A quick google image search confirms. Incase some didn't already hear, #19 will not be worn by any Canadian on the international stage.

http://www.sportfotografie.nl/500px/9-2001/Yzerman_1363.jpg

[MadDevil]

C - Sakic
A - Iginla
A - Niedermayer

All three are captains of their respective teams, and have all played in the big games in the NHL (Sakic and Niedermayer have Cup rings, Iginla has gone to Game 7). They're all winners, and I think deserve the letters, but there are plenty of deserving candidates.

[PDO]

My google searching failed me.. if there's to be 3 A's, then I do go with Pronger, Smyth and Niedermayer.

I think Blake can be a bit too much of a hothead to have the A. He's also hasn't commanded the respect as "that guy" since he left LA. I wouldn't mind the A on Redden. I don't even want Jovo on the team, so I won't go there ;).

I think Thornton would be another excellent pick, because he's a good candidate to be our captain in 2010... unless the hire to the throne is ready, which he very well may be.

[Man.Utd]

I think Thornton would be another excellent pick, because he's a good candidate to be our captain in 2010... unless the hire to the throne is ready, which he very well may be.

Don't worry, Brian. Spezza wil be there and playing some of the best hockey of his life. Though I think he deserves a spot on the Olympic team this season.

:nod: :thumb: :wicked:

* Patrick Lalime update: AHL game vs. Houston, 7 goals against on 37 shots.

[slapshot™]

The 'C' should go to non-other than Captain Canada, Ryan Smyth (http://www.nhl.com/columns/wigge/smyth121605.html).

Assistant captains: Iginla & Sakic.

[Yoata]

C Sakic
A Shanahan
A Niedermayer

All multiple cup winners, leaders, and complete players who can play big minutes in all situations.

[charlio lemieux]

C Sakic
A Pronger
A Thornton
A Shanahan

[TimmyTabasco]

C Sakic
A Niedermayer
A Iginla