OK, so everybody else is doing it, we might just as well weigh in.
Although, our 2010 Canadian Olympic team might not look a lot like the others that have been selected in the national media, we’d like to see a little discussion before the next head coach takes his club into the 2010 Olympic hockey tournament in Vancouver.
After all, the 2006 team seemed like a done deal a year before the Olympics and we all know how that team finished. We must take the best and brightest — and the smartest, as well — to Vancouver.
So let’s look at a few players who might not have made some of the other lists — just so Canada can get a little younger, faster and mentally tougher.
By the way, in deference to the likes of Red Fisher and Pierre McGuire, I’ve only seen 47 NHL games live this season, so rip me accordingly.
GOALIES:
Roberto Luongo, Vancouver Canucks
Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils
Steve Mason, Columbus Blue Jackets
DEFENCE
Kevin Bieksa, Vancouver Canucks
Dion Phaneuf, Calgary Flames
Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks
Shea Weber, Nashville Predators
Mike Green, Washington Capitals
Brian Campbell, Chicago Blackhawks
Dennis Wideman, Boston Bruins
FORWARDS
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks
Jarome Iginla, Calgary Flames
Rick Nash, Columbus Blue Jackets
Mike Richards, Philadelphia Flyers
Shane Doan, Phoenix Coyotes
Ryan Getzlaf, Anaheim Ducks
Dany Heatley, Ottawa Senators
Jeff Carter, Philedelphia Flyers
Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks
Vincent Lecavalier, Tampa Bay Lightning
Patrick Marleau, San Jose Sharks
Marc Savard, Boston Bruins
I’m a big fan of Martin St. Louis, Jason Spezza, Mike Cammalleri, little Derek Roy and even Winnipeg’s own Travis Zajac, who is having a great year in New Jersey. I also like Dan Boyle, Robyn Regehr, Brent Burns and even the older stars such as Scott Niedermayer, Chris Pronger, Sheldon Souray and Rob Blake.
But it’s 2010 and 2006 was a huge disappointment. It’s time to go down a new road on defence, stick with Marty Brodeur (maybe the greatest goalie of all time) in net and make sure Jonathan Toews is wearing a C or an A on this hockey team.
Hire someone like Mike Babcock, Barry Trotz or Andy Murray to coach the team and this group should win gold in a walk.