Canadian Olympic orientation camp roster announced

[Jalili]

Most teams and Russians in particular have impressive TOP6
"Bottom 6" is the place where Canada must make the difference to win this tournament and naturally outstanding goaltending as always in short events like Olympics.

It's really hard to tell where Canada stands. Obviously, on paper their forward lines and defensive pairings aren't going to be contested by anyone.

A few countries have them beat in net though. Finland, the States, Sweden, maybe Russia could all have a big advantage there, and the thought of us trailing 2-1 and being shut down by one of their goalies is a scary thought.

Adapting to a different playing style is important too, but I think Hockey Canada will be proactive in adjusting the roster to playing on international ice (ie: good skaters will be at a premium).

Chemistry will probably end up being the most important factor in a short tourny like this though. A lot of star studded teams have fallen short because they've had too many guys who need the puck, or ball, depending on the sport, to be effective.

 

[dappleganger]

My Team so far...

Goaltenders
Roberto Luongo
Corey Crawford
Carey Price


Defense
Drew Doughty
Mike Green
Duncan Keith
Kristopher Letang
Dion Phaneuf
Brent Seabrook
PK Subban
Shea Weber


Forwards
Patrice Bergeron
Martin St. Louis
Sidney Crosby
Jordan Eberle
Ryan Getzlaf
Claude Giroux
Taylor Hall
James Neal
Corey Perry
Patrick Sharp
Eric Staal
Steven Stamkos
John Tavares
Jonathan Toews

 

[Jalili]

With Yzerman saying they want "as few players playing out of position as possible", I'd be surprised if they bring only one LH D-man.

I noticed elsewhere people predicting that they'll bring 10 centers, which also doesn't work.

 

[hockeyfan1]

Yzerman on Team Canada's goaltending situation...

"We'll worry about the starter after naming the final three that we'll take to Sochi. I think some of that will work itself out over the course of the first part of the season."
                                          - Team Canada executive director Steve Yzerman
            discussing his team's goalie situation heading towards the 2014 Sochi             
            Olympics


Source:  THN

 

[Bonsixx]

I wonder if, as many expect, Bernier is handed the top job with the Leafs and absolutely, unequivocally stands on his head, does he get a look when the final selection is made?

Seems they don't have much confidence in Reimer, but maybe if Bernier does it?

 

[Kin]

I wonder if, as many expect, Bernier is handed the top job with the Leafs and absolutely, unequivocally stands on his head, does he get a look when the final selection is made?

Seems they don't have much confidence in Reimer, but maybe if Bernier does it?

If previous Olympics are any indication Team Canada really only works out well if they are heavily influenced in their selections by what happens during the actual season so I've got quite a bit of hope that Yzerman isn't going to take this training camp as anything other than a rough guide. If Bernier, or anyone, has a breakout season I'm sure they'll get a look.

 

[hockeyfan1]

A good dosage of ball hockey to orient themselves (and help prevent unwanted injuries, too)...

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--canada-olympic-orientation-camp-ball-hockey-23544641

 

[Redleaf]

As anyone can tell by my avatar, I'm a big supporter of Canadian international hockey, and nothing compares to the Olympic tournament. However, this one just doesn't feel right to me for some reason. Whether its the bigger rink, the Russian hosts, or the non-skating practices, I just don't have that positive vibe about Team Canada like I did prior to Vanvouver. Perhaps that will change once the tournament gets under way if Canada comes out flying. I'm guessing one of the European teams takes the gold. From where we stand now, I'd probably bet on the home team Russia.

 

[Jalili]

As anyone can tell by my avatar, I'm a big supporter of Canadian international hockey, and nothing compares to the Olympic tournament. However, this one just doesn't feel right to me for some reason. Whether its the bigger rink, the Russian hosts, or the non-skating practices, I just don't have that positive vibe about Team Canada like I did prior to Vanvouver. Perhaps that will change once the tournament gets under way if Canada comes out flying. I'm guessing one of the European teams takes the gold. From where we stand now, I'd probably bet on the home team Russia.

I don't expect Canada to come out flying, but I do think they'll get progressively better as the tournament goes along. I'm a bit apprehensive about the team, but that's mostly because of their goaltending.

In terms of defense, Canada is way ahead of their competition. Sweden and the States are the only two other countries that come close in my mind. As much as I know Russia really wants to win this, they don't have the horses to win on their back-end.

 

[Redleaf]

As anyone can tell by my avatar, I'm a big supporter of Canadian international hockey, and nothing compares to the Olympic tournament. However, this one just doesn't feel right to me for some reason. Whether its the bigger rink, the Russian hosts, or the non-skating practices, I just don't have that positive vibe about Team Canada like I did prior to Vanvouver. Perhaps that will change once the tournament gets under way if Canada comes out flying. I'm guessing one of the European teams takes the gold. From where we stand now, I'd probably bet on the home team Russia.

I don't expect Canada to come out flying, but I do think they'll get progressively better as the tournament goes along. I'm a bit apprehensive about the team, but that's mostly because of their goaltending.

In terms of defense, Canada is way ahead of their competition. Sweden and the States are the only two other countries that come close in my mind. As much as I know Russia really wants to win this, they don't have the horses to win on their back-end.

Yeah. I realize that they usually come out slow, and get better as the tournaments roll along. I guess what I was trying to say is, if they can somehow find instant chemistry this time, then I think they can win this tournament, but if they start off slow again, I'm putting my money on one of the Euro teams to take home the gold. We'll have to wait and see how they come out of the gates...

 

[Kin]

Knowing the roster would probably be a plus if we're handicapping things.

 

[drummond]

As anyone can tell by my avatar, I'm a big supporter of Canadian international hockey, and nothing compares to the Olympic tournament. However, this one just doesn't feel right to me for some reason. Whether its the bigger rink, the Russian hosts, or the non-skating practices, I just don't have that positive vibe about Team Canada like I did prior to Vanvouver. Perhaps that will change once the tournament gets under way if Canada comes out flying. I'm guessing one of the European teams takes the gold. From where we stand now, I'd probably bet on the home team Russia.

I don't expect Canada to come out flying, but I do think they'll get progressively better as the tournament goes along. I'm a bit apprehensive about the team, but that's mostly because of their goaltending.

In terms of defense, Canada is way ahead of their competition. Sweden and the States are the only two other countries that come close in my mind. As much as I know Russia really wants to win this, they don't have the horses to win on their back-end.

On small sized rink, yes. But on bigger ice the D has the mos difficult time to adjust. I am not a Canadian but whenever Czechs are out I cheer for you guys.

I believe the Russians will be overhyped, they tend to fall apart under pressure. I belive either Canada/US or Swedes win this.

 

[Jalili]

As anyone can tell by my avatar, I'm a big supporter of Canadian international hockey, and nothing compares to the Olympic tournament. However, this one just doesn't feel right to me for some reason. Whether its the bigger rink, the Russian hosts, or the non-skating practices, I just don't have that positive vibe about Team Canada like I did prior to Vanvouver. Perhaps that will change once the tournament gets under way if Canada comes out flying. I'm guessing one of the European teams takes the gold. From where we stand now, I'd probably bet on the home team Russia.

I don't expect Canada to come out flying, but I do think they'll get progressively better as the tournament goes along. I'm a bit apprehensive about the team, but that's mostly because of their goaltending.

In terms of defense, Canada is way ahead of their competition. Sweden and the States are the only two other countries that come close in my mind. As much as I know Russia really wants to win this, they don't have the horses to win on their back-end.

On small sized rink, yes. But on bigger ice the D has the mos difficult time to adjust. I am not a Canadian but whenever Czechs are out I cheer for you guys.

I believe the Russians will be overhyped, they tend to fall apart under pressure. I belive either Canada/US or Swedes win this.

I think they'll make the adjustment. Canada's blueline will be very different compared to what it was like in Torino 06. It's going to be an incredibly mobile group.

As for your last statement, that's what I'm thinking as well. The Swedes have a real balanced group; along with the North Americans, they might be the team to beat.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/team-canada-olympic-jersey-photo-010748899--nhl.html

Wow.

 

[Leafaholic99]

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/team-canada-olympic-jersey-photo-010748899--nhl.html

Wow.

I kinda like it. Toews doesn't seem too impressed haha

 

[CarltonTheBear]

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/team-canada-olympic-jersey-photo-010748899--nhl.html

Wow.

I kinda like it. Toews doesn't seem too impressed haha

You know, it might look a little bit better if Toews had equipment on. The fake lace thing is what absolutely kills it.

 

[Kin]

Did things really need changing from the 2002 jerseys?

 

[bustaheims]

You know, it might look a little bit better if Toews had equipment on. The fake lace thing is what absolutely kills it.

The fake lace thing seems to be Nike being stupid, but, other than that, it's not awful. I mean, it's not awesome, but, it could definitely have been worse.

 

[Leafaholic99]

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/team-canada-olympic-jersey-photo-010748899--nhl.html

Wow.

I kinda like it. Toews doesn't seem too impressed haha

You know, it might look a little bit better if Toews had equipment on. The fake lace thing is what absolutely kills it.

Yea for sure and I agree on the fake lace, not sure why Nike couldn't have a real one on there. It kind of looks like a stain or something.

 

[hockeyfan1]

Don't like the fake lace at all.  Secondly, this jersey design looks a little 'flat', or perhaps too simple, a tad generic.  Nothing wrong with the Maple Leaf there, but, truthfully, if I had to choose between this new design and the 2010 one, I'd choose the latter.

Maybe they were trying to amalgamate or infuse some sort of familiarity - - Canada Cup, '72, other Olympics, etc.

And, oh, btw, those Canada Cup & '72 jerseys were beautiful.  Simple, yet 'elegant', made one proud to wear the  Maple Leaf.
I know because I have one of those.