Men's Olympic Hockey Preview - Canada

Canada

Olympic Appearances: 1920-1968, 1980-Present

Best Finish: 1st (1920, 1924, 1928, 1932, 1948, 1952, 2002)

Total Medals Won:13

Pool: Norway, Switzerland, USA

Since the introduction of professional players to the Olympics in 1998, Canada has had a mixed record. Complete dissapointment in 1998 and 2006, total elation in 2002. Canada hopes for the latter result, at home, in 2010. There will be intense pressure, and anything short of Gold will be considered a failure.

One interesting quirk is that throughout the 1970's, Canada did not compete in IIHF events, due to an ongoing dispute over the use of professional players.

Goalies

 Martin Brodeur (New Jersey)

Marc-Andre Fleury (Pittsburgh)

Roberto Luongo (Vancouver)

Defence

Dan Boyle (San Jose)

Drew Doughty (Los Angeles)

Duncan Keith (Chicago)

Scott Neidermayer (C) (Anahiem)

Chris Pronger (A) (Philidelphia)

Brent Seabrook (Chicago)

Shea Weber (Nashville)

Forward

Patrice Bergeron (Boston)

Sidney Crosby (A) (Pittsburgh)

Ryan Getzlaf (Anahiem)

Dany Heatley (San Jose)

Jarome Iginla (A) (Calgary)

Patrick Marleau (San Jose)

Brendan Morrow (Dallas)

Rick Nash (Columbus)

Corey Perry (Anaheim)

Mike Richards (Philidelphia)

Eric Staal (Carolina)

Joe Thornton (San Jose)

Jonathan Toews (Chicago)

There really isn't too much to say, that hasn't already been said. We've already discussed the roster between Ben and myself. This is clearly a team that is capable of winning gold, they will just have to go out there and do it.

In such a short tournament, developing chemistry will be key. Stevie Y has apparently kept this in mind, going with a number of 'set peices' including the Heatley-Thorton-Marleau line, the Keith-Seabrook paring and Getzlaf-Perry.

Here's hoping for Gold!!

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