View Full Version : Hockey Canada announces Olympic invitees
Madferret
6-30-05, 7:02 PM
Hockey Canada announces Olympic invitees
TSN.ca Staff
CALGARY, ALBERTA ? Hockey Canada announced today the 36 players that have been invited to attend Canada's Men's Olympic Orientation Camp that will run from August 15-20, 2005 in Vancouver and Kelowna, BC.
All of the players were under NHL contracts for the 2003-04 season.
The orientation session will consist of providing the players with detailed information regarding the 2006 Winter Olympic Games, including a review of: Olympic preparations, tournament schedule and format, travel and lodging, doping policies, coaching philosophies, apparel and equipment fitting, and daily on ice sessions.
The thirty six players were selected by Team Canada's Executive Director, Wayne Gretzky, Assistant Executive Director, Kevin Lowe, Director of Player Personnel, Steve Tambellini, and Director of Player Development, Blair MacKasey in conjunction with the coaching staff. Team Canada's management and coaching staff will oversee the camp which will start in Vancouver, BC on August 15 and then move to Kelowna, BC for four days concluding on August 20.
Team Canada's coaching staff will remain the same as the 2002 Olympics and 2004 World Cup of Hockey with the addition of National Team Head Coach Marc Habscheid. Head Coach Pat Quinn (Toronto Maple Leafs) will be assisted by associate coaches Ken Hitchcock (Philadelphia Flyers), Jacques Martin (Florida Panthers), Wayne Fleming (Philadelphia Flyers), and Marc Habscheid (National Men's Team).
''As a coaching staff, we are excited about the opportunity to work with such a great group of athletes again,'' stated Head Coach, Pat Quinn. ''The commitment these players make to represent their country is second to none and that is why Canada has continued to be in the upper echelon of International hockey.''
Of the thirty six players invited to the Orientation Camp, 19 players took home silver at the 2005 IIHF World Championship, 26 players won the 2004 World Cup of Hockey with Canada, and 14 players were Olympic gold medalists in 2002 in Salt Lake City.
"Our management and coaching staff feel that this is a perfect opportunity to bring the players together and start focusing on the upcoming Olympics in Torino,'' said Executive Director, Wayne Gretzky. ''We are very pleased with the depth we have in this country, and there are players outside this group of 36 that we will continue to evaluate as we get closer to the Olympics in February before any final decisions are made.?
The players that have been invited:
Goaltenders:
Martin Brodeur
Roberto Luongo
Jose Theodore
Marty Turco
Defence:
Rob Blake
Jay Bouwmeester
Dan Boyle
Eric Brewer
Adam Foote
Scott Hannan
Ed Jovanovski
Scott Niedermayer
Chris Phillips
Chris Pronger
Wade Redden
Robyn Regehr
Forwards:
Shane Doan
Kris Draper
Simon Gagne
Dany Heatley
Jarome Iginla
Vincent Lecavalier
Mario Lemieux
Kirk Maltby
Patrick Marleau
Brenden Morrow
Rick Nash
Michael Peca
Keith Primeau
Brad Richards
Joe Sakic
Ryan Smyth
Martin St. Louis
Alex Tanguay
Joe Thornton
Steve Yzerman
Where's Norris McCabe? Not even invited? Ouch!
Boyle, Jovo, Phillips, Doan, Draper, Maltby, Marleau, Morrow, Peca, Primeau, Yzerman.. no thanks.
I want to know where Todd Bertuzzi, Adrian Aucoin and some young guns who could learn a ton sitting on the bench such as Patrice Bergeron, Eric Staal and even somebody like MA Fleury as a third string goalie are. Hell, I'd take Crosby over half the forwards I mentioned.
Newfie John
7-01-05, 10:26 AM
MA Fleury? No way. He's no where near that level yet.
I'd take him over Telly if I was Sweden.
What harm would it do to have him watch in the pressbox? He'll very likely be the backup in 2010.
I'm a big Morrow fan in the NHL. But for international play, I'd probably leave him behind.
I'd take Morrow on pretty much any international team, with the exception of this one. We have grit in our skill guys. We have hitting in our skill guys. We have PK in our skill guys.
Just from that list the only players that would ever be called soft - Boyle and Tanguay.
Just from that list, the players who can absolutely lay somebody out - Blake, Brewer, Foote, Hannan, Jovo, Phillips, Pronger, Regehr, Doan, Heatley, Iginila, Marleau, Nash, Primeau, Thornton
Just from that list, players who can effectively kill penalties (won't even bother with defenseman or guys who I've stated don't belong there already) - Gagne, Iginila, Smyth, St. Louis, Richards, Thornton.
So I ask.. why do we need a specialist when we have better players who can do the things the specialist "excels" at? These guys only "excel" at penalty killing because it's the only thing they can do half decently, so when they do it they appear much better than normal. Fact is, I'd much rather have Smyth and Iginila killing a penalty, because they can actually put the puck in the net as well, and understand the game better. "Checkers" are called checkers because they're always in their own zone. Ever wonder why they're always in their own zone? They're not good enough to get out.
Newfie John
7-03-05, 10:55 AM
I'd take him over Telly if I was Sweden.
What harm would it do to have him watch in the pressbox? He'll very likely be the backup in 2010.
Obviously we're not Sweden, so I don't know why you'd bring it up unless it was yet another troll attempt. ;)
It would be pointless to bring in Fleury, let him prove himself first.
Fluery is good. Didnt's he score the tournament clinching goal a few years ago at the world juniors?
:nod: :wave:
TimmyTabasco
7-03-05, 1:07 PM
Boyle, Jovo, Phillips, Doan, Draper, Maltby, Marleau, Morrow, Peca, Primeau, Yzerman.. no thanks.
I want to know where Todd Bertuzzi, Adrian Aucoin and some young guns who could learn a ton sitting on the bench such as Patrice Bergeron, Eric Staal and even somebody like MA Fleury as a third string goalie are. Hell, I'd take Crosby over half the forwards I mentioned.
Much agreed
Aucoin is solid, and has been snubbed one to many times. Perhaps Gretz is pissed off at him? Its odd..since he has played for team canada in the past.
MadDevil brought up a good point, where is John Madden? This guy plays a game similar to that of Draper/Peca..and should be included..atleast to the camp.
I like the addition of Tanguay, would thrive with Sakic. Also, if bert can play..he played very well with Sakic at the allstar game..and should do so again.
Maltby is a joke, shouldn't be there at all. I'd much rather invite the pitbull, aka Walker over him. Marleau has done nada at the internationals, and shouldn't be there either..
Morrow is overrated, and again..has done nothing to earn an invitation. Boyle wasn't great at the Worlds, and IMO..is like Sopel..but on a better team.
Keep Jovo, but as relief.
Newfie John
7-03-05, 1:39 PM
Maltby is all heart and he is one of the best pests in the game. Him and Draper are death to play against. I like the idea of Maltby and Draper patrolling the 4th line together.
TimmyTabasco
7-03-05, 4:10 PM
Maltby is all heart and he is one of the best pests in the game. Him and Draper are death to play against. I like the idea of Maltby and Draper patrolling the 4th line together.
Pests don't score, and can't play at that level at the International game. Its alright in the NHL, but not on the international scene
Draper/Maltby are only there due to the play of that line during the 2003 Worlds. They haven't had as much success since. Remember Maltby didn't play during the World Cup?
Also, remember he was limited during the last Worlds?
I was much more impressed with Walker, and he is a pest. Why not add him, or Madden..instead of Maltby and Draper
Obviously we're not Sweden, so I don't know why you'd bring it up unless it was yet another troll attempt. ;)
It would be pointless to bring in Fleury, let him prove himself first.
No it wasn't a troll attempt, but keep imaging things.
Sweden would arguably be the second best hockey nation quite easily if they had a decent goalie. I illustrated the fact that Canada has amazing depth in goal when we have a guy who's "not good enough to play third string even though he'd never play a game and just get insanely good experience" yet still better than the best Sweden can offer. There's no reason to not give thek ids some experience, becasue they'll be the guys that have to know what it takes in 4 years, so why not give them a little taste of it now? If USA has done one thing very well, it was including a guy like Rick Dipietro early.
Matlyby and Draper are a joke and have no business being in the Olympics. You know who's a better pest? Ryan Smyth. He's also a better player. Same goes for Bertuzzi and even a guy like Iginila or Heatley. Power forwards draw penalties, we don't need a disgrace out there yapping because he can't do anything else.
Leafs_Fa_Life
7-03-05, 5:31 PM
Firstly PDO, I think Ranger propsect Hendrik Lundqvist(sp?) has passed Telly on the Swedish depth chart. So he's not the best they have to offer. Actually during the World Cup I heard many people in Sweden wanted Hendrik to be the starter, but his lack of experience on NA ice kept him on the bench.
Secondly, I agree with you about guys like Draper and Maltby. I have nothing against either guy, but it's a shame that a country as deep as Canada is even consider a couple of third liners for Turin. At Salt Lake City we didn't need full time pests on the team. Our bottom lines included forwards like Peca, Smyth, Nolan, Lindros, and Fleury. Notice a trend? All of these guys had skill. Of course Peca was never a great offensive player, but he was adaquate in the offensive end.
Newfie John
7-03-05, 5:55 PM
No it wasn't a troll attempt, but keep imaging things.
Whats imaging? :nod:
Sweden would arguably be the second best hockey nation quite easily if they had a decent goalie.
Agreed. Ever since Salo's glory days(if they deserved to be called that :coffee: ) Sweden hasn't had a top notch goalie to lead them to the gold medal. I don't think they've had a top rate goalie since Pelle Lindbergh. I illustrated the fact that Canada has amazing depth in goal when we have a guy who's "not good enough to play third string even though he'd never play a game and just get insanely good experience" yet still better than the best Sweden can offer.
Once again agreed. If we were Sweden, I'd have no trouble giving MA Fleury the nod to join the team, but we're Team Canada. We have many goalies miles ahead of Fleury.
There's no reason to not give thek ids some experience, becasue they'll be the guys that have to know what it takes in 4 years, so why not give them a little taste of it now? If USA has done one thing very well, it was including a guy like Rick Dipietro early.
No, theres nothing wrong with it but ultimately it doesn't matter either. Dipietro had some moderate success in the NHL before he was called to the American roster. Not to mention the fact that the US has always had trouble with depth in goal ever since that amazing tournament Richter had. The US has always paled in comparison to Canada on the international stage all the way through and have never had a real star like Patrick Roy or Martin Brodeur lately.
Matlyby and Draper are a joke and have no business being in the Olympics.
Wayne Gretzky seems to disagree with you, and so do I. Neither of those men did a bad job when they played on the international stage. They filled their roles well and did a good job. Hell, Draper potted a few goals too. He's a selke winner and can pot you 20 goals, as far as I'm concerned, and Mr. Gretzky and the Edmonton Oilers GM, Kevin Lowe, that gets you a spot on Team Canada, albeit the 4th line.
You know who's a better pest? Ryan Smyth. He's also a better player. Same goes for Bertuzzi and even a guy like Iginila or Heatley.
I agree, thats why those guys(with the exception of Bertuzzi) make the team every year also. Bertuzzi is suspended so he's irrelevant right now.
Power forwards draw penalties, we don't need a disgrace out there yapping because he can't do anything else.
Disgrace? How so? What did he do wrong out there? From what I seen, nothing. He had a job to do and he did it. He was a good physical presence and was one of the better players in the corners. From what I seen, he did nothing wrong.
Whats imaging? :nod:
Hey.. atleast my forearms are both the same size.. you know, from all the typing with one arm you're donig :thumb:
Once again agreed. If we were Sweden, I'd have no trouble giving MA Fleury the nod to join the team, but we're Team Canada. We have many goalies miles ahead of Fleury.
To me the difference is, none of them are ever going to start. I think we'd both agree that Fleury has a great chance of atleast being the backup 4.5 years from now, why not let him see what he'll have to expect? Honestly, what's the worst that could happen?
No, theres nothing wrong with it but ultimately it doesn't matter either. Dipietro had some moderate success in the NHL before he was called to the American roster. Not to mention the fact that the US has always had trouble with depth in goal ever since that amazing tournament Richter had. The US has always paled in comparison to Canada on the international stage all the way through and have never had a real star like Patrick Roy or Martin Brodeur lately.
I wouldn't say Dipietro had had any more success than Fleury. I can't find his internationa stats, but he had no NHL success until 03-04.. I'm sure I remember him being a backup well before then, but maybe I'm out to lunch?
Wayne Gretzky seems to disagree with you, and so do I. Neither of those men did a bad job when they played on the international stage. They filled their roles well and did a good job. Hell, Draper potted a few goals too. He's a selke winner and can pot you 20 goals, as far as I'm concerned, and Mr. Gretzky and the Edmonton Oilers GM, Kevin Lowe, that gets you a spot on Team Canada, albeit the 4th line.
Don't get me started on the Selke. All I'm going to say is McCauley was never on the ice at the same time as Forsberg and leave it at that. Moving on, I simply believe that Canada has a lot better to offer than a couple grinders.. they seem to be there just for the sake of being there. In 1998 we had the role players, the Primeau's and such. Gretkzy vowed he'd take skill first, and I just don't see how he's doing that when he grabs Draper.
Disgrace? How so? What did he do wrong out there? From what I seen, nothing. He had a job to do and he did it. He was a good physical presence and was one of the better players in the corners. From what I seen, he did nothing wrong.
Disgrace might've been a bit harsh, I just simply don't think he's the right man for the job, and it's a bit embarassing that Canada is sending third liners to the games.
Newfie John
7-03-05, 6:22 PM
Hey.. atleast my forearms are both the same size.. you know, from all the typing with one arm you're donig :thumb:
I have two arms tonight, and the other forearm is perfectly fine as when it was in the sling I was exercising it in another more enjoyable way.
To me the difference is, none of them are ever going to start. I think we'd both agree that Fleury has a great chance of atleast being the backup 4.5 years from now, why not let him see what he'll have to expect? Honestly, what's the worst that could happen?
Brodeur and Luongo get hurt and we're left with Fleury. :laughing: I think we have to let him deserve it first. Turco is still moderately young, as is Theodore. Brodeur had to wait in the wings of Cujo and Roy, as will Turco and Theo, Fleury is that next step down. If we allow Fleury on the team, we might as well take Crosby aswell, for him to sit in the stands.
I wouldn't say Dipietro had had any more success than Fleury. I can't find his internationa stats, but he had no NHL success until 03-04.. I'm sure I remember him being a backup well before then, but maybe I'm out to lunch?
Well he started for the Islanders in his rookie season for a little while and wasn't spectacular to say the least, and played very well on the farm. Fleury hasn't even been great on the farm, though he's had his moments.
Don't get me started on the Selke. All I'm going to say is McCauley was never on the ice at the same time as Forsberg and leave it at that.
Two completely different examples, wouldn't be fair to compare them.
Moving on, I simply believe that Canada has a lot better to offer than a couple grinders.. they seem to be there just for the sake of being there.
If you watched the games, you'd notice they were doing more then just "being there" and once again I bring up the question, what is it they did wrong?
In 1998 we had the role players, the Primeau's and such. Gretkzy vowed he'd take skill first, and I just don't see how he's doing that when he grabs Draper.
I can agree with you there, but I'm not going to argue with Gretzky. The guy is undisputedly perfect when it comes to managing international teams so far.
Disgrace might've been a bit harsh, I just simply don't think he's the right man for the job, and it's a bit embarassing that Canada is sending third liners to the games.
The best third liners in the world might I add. If they played on the top line they wouldn't be as effective, but when you give them that grinder job to do, they do it and do it well. They may not be out there every single minute vs the other team's top lines, but when the game is on the line, they're out there.
Brodeur and Luongo get hurt and we're left with Fleury. :laughing:
I'd cry and eat a very large crow. Preferably BBQ'd :D
I think we have to let him deserve it first. Turco is still moderately young, as is Theodore. Brodeur had to wait in the wings of Cujo and Roy, as will Turco and Theo, Fleury is that next step down. If we allow Fleury on the team, we might as well take Crosby aswell, for him to sit in the stands.
I see your point, but Turco and Theodore are both much older than Luongo (born in '79.. Theodore in '76 and Turco in '75). I can definetly see why you want him to earn the spot, I just think it'd be a really big positive for Canada 4 years from now to know we have two very capable guys in Luongo (who should be the #1 without a doubt in 2010.. he'll be 29) and MA Fleury, who's atleast seen what it takes, if he were to be thrown into the fire.
Well he started for the Islanders in his rookie season for a little while and wasn't spectacular to say the least, and played very well on the farm. Fleury hasn't even been great on the farm, though he's had his moments.
He was bad in the NHL.. GAA was ~ 3.5, and that wasn't too bad of a team either.. the same can't be said for the Penguins.
If you watched the games, you'd notice they were doing more then just "being there" and once again I bring up the question, what is it they did wrong?
They did nothing wrong, but there are several players who could do the job much better or gain much more from it in the future.
I can agree with you there, but I'm not going to argue with Gretzky. The guy is undisputedly perfect when it comes to managing international teams so far.
True he's perfect, but we can't have him pull a Sather. I'm familiar with both ;).
The best third liners in the world might I add. If they played on the top line they wouldn't be as effective, but when you give them that grinder job to do, they do it and do it well. They may not be out there every single minute vs the other team's top lines, but when the game is on the line, they're out there.
As I said ea rlier.. that's what we did in Nagano.
Newfie John
7-03-05, 6:56 PM
I'd cry and eat a very large crow. Preferably BBQ'd :D
I would go on to bet thats your regular run of the mill Monday afternoon dinner.
I see your point, but Turco and Theodore are both much older than Luongo (born in '79.. Theodore in '76 and Turco in '75). I can definetly see why you want him to earn the spot, I just think it'd be a really big positive for Canada 4 years from now to know we have two very capable guys in Luongo (who should be the #1 without a doubt in 2010.. he'll be 29) and MA Fleury, who's atleast seen what it takes, if he were to be thrown into the fire.
Yes, but same goes for Turco and Theodore. But theres a difference, they actually have NHL success.
He was bad in the NHL.. GAA was ~ 3.5, and that wasn't too bad of a team either.. the same can't be said for the Penguins.
Ok then, well I'll chalk it up to Canada having more depth then USA. Honestly, who else could they send?
They did nothing wrong, but there are several players who could do the job much better or gain much more from it in the future.
Thats not a sure thing, and as long as they're doing a good job I see no reason to take them out.
True he's perfect, but we can't have him pull a Sather. I'm familiar with both ;).
We'll just have to hope.
[/quote]As I said ea rlier.. that's what we did in Nagano.[/QUOTE]
In Nagano we had too much of it, and not enough finesse. Lately we've had the perfect solution. I say that we don't change it.
Leafs_Fa_Life
7-03-05, 10:06 PM
In Nagano we had too much of it, and not enough finesse. Lately we've had the perfect solution. I say that we don't change it.
In Salt Lake City we did fine without guys who were defensive specialists. Personally I find Draper and Maltby as two overglorified role players that get a lot of unwarrented hype from the media. Tucker's a third line pest that can pop in 20 goals a season too, why don't we invite him to the camp? Canada has plenty of depth and guys who are good in all parts of the game, not just one thing like Draper and Maltby.
MadDevil
7-03-05, 11:02 PM
Instead of Draper and Maltby, I think a better combination for the fourth line would be Madden and Walker. If you want statistics, let's compare:
Draper/Maltby
03/04 - Combined for 38G - 35A - 73PTS
02/03 - Combined for 28G - 45A - 73PTS
01/02 - Combined for 24G - 30A - 54PTS
Madden/Walker
03/04 - Combined for 37G - 65A - 102PTS
02/03 - Combined for 34G - 40A - 74PTS
01/02 - Combined for 19G - 13A - 31PTS (Walker only played 28 games)
Why not go with the combination that can score, and play a "grinder" role just as well?
Newfie John
7-04-05, 7:52 AM
In Salt Lake City we did fine without guys who were defensive specialists. Personally I find Draper and Maltby as two overglorified role players that get a lot of unwarrented hype from the media. Tucker's a third line pest that can pop in 20 goals a season too, why don't we invite him to the camp? Canada has plenty of depth and guys who are good in all parts of the game, not just one thing like Draper and Maltby.
If you actually watch Maltby and Draper you'd know they're a lot better defensively then Tucker. Tucker also takes too many stupid penalties. Also, the chemistry Maltby and Draper have out there on the ice is unmatched in the NHL.
Instead of Draper and Maltby, I think a better combination for the fourth line would be Madden and Walker. If you want statistics, let's compare:
Draper/Maltby
03/04 - Combined for 38G - 35A - 73PTS
02/03 - Combined for 28G - 45A - 73PTS
01/02 - Combined for 24G - 30A - 54PTS
Madden/Walker
03/04 - Combined for 37G - 65A - 102PTS
02/03 - Combined for 34G - 40A - 74PTS
01/02 - Combined for 19G - 13A - 31PTS (Walker only played 28 games)
Why not go with the combination that can score, and play a "grinder" role just as well?
I really like Walker, and I'd like him to make the team, but Madden just isn't "in your face" enough to me. The point of this grind line isn't for scoring, but if they can pt a few thats fine. The combo of Maltby and Draper had more goals last season then the Madden and Walker combo. Plus, we do not know how well these two will work together, we know Maltby and Draper have good chemistry.
Madferret
7-04-05, 9:56 AM
Would have been great for Spezza if he was invited. The amount of knowledge he could learn at a camp with those guys would be unbelievable.
TimmyTabasco
7-04-05, 11:16 AM
Instead of Draper and Maltby, I think a better combination for the fourth line would be Madden and Walker. If you want statistics, let's compare:
Draper/Maltby
03/04 - Combined for 38G - 35A - 73PTS
02/03 - Combined for 28G - 45A - 73PTS
01/02 - Combined for 24G - 30A - 54PTS
Madden/Walker
03/04 - Combined for 37G - 65A - 102PTS
02/03 - Combined for 34G - 40A - 74PTS
01/02 - Combined for 19G - 13A - 31PTS (Walker only played 28 games)
Why not go with the combination that can score, and play a "grinder" role just as well?
Well said, and have the stats to back it up with :nod: :coffee:
I'd much rather see Walker, and Madden there..over the overrated Draper, and the who? Maltby
If Maltby couldn't even crack the lineup at the WorldCup, then why the hell is he even invited to the Olympics? Waste of a spot that someone else could have had a shot at. Draper? Blah.
TimmyTabasco
7-04-05, 11:18 AM
Also, the chemistry Maltby and Draper have out there on the ice is unmatched in the NHL.
Are the Olympics part of the NHL? :laughing: ;)
. The point of this grind line isn't for scoring, but if they can pt a few thats fine. The combo of Maltby and Draper had more goals last season then the Madden and Walker combo
Yeah, and its not to be pests either. The point is to keep the puck out of the net
Walker-Peca-Madden
Sounds alright to me
Canada's top 4 RW's:
Heatley, Iginila, St. Louis, Bertuzzi
So.. one of them draws short straw so that Draper can play? :rolleyes:
MadDevil
7-12-05, 11:36 PM
Canada's top 4 RW's:
Heatley, Iginila, St. Louis, Bertuzzi
So.. one of them draws short straw so that Draper can play? :rolleyes:
Isn't Draper a center?:confused:
Newfie John
7-13-05, 8:15 AM
Canada's top 4 RW's:
Heatley, Iginila, St. Louis, Bertuzzi
So.. one of them draws short straw so that Draper can play? :rolleyes:
Draper usually plays center but can play the wing. Bertuzzi wasn't invited.
TimmyTabasco
7-13-05, 11:54 AM
Bertuzzi wasn't invited.
Not yet :nod:
Newfie John
7-13-05, 12:00 PM
Not yet :nod:
Bertuzzi representing my country......... :curse:
Bertuzzi representing my country......... :curse:
When did you buy Canada NJ?:D
vBulletin® v3.6.3, Copyright ©2000-2008, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.