The whispers about the chemistry between Sidney Crosby, Jarome Iginla and Rick Nash are growing louder with some outlets labeling the line as “dangerous” and I can completely see how that would be true.  There is a reason, after all, why these guys are big names in the hockey world.
When you look at their combined efforts this past season, they posted 108 goals and amassed 271 points.  That’s pretty encouraging. Even Jordan Staal had to say:  “that’s pretty scary.  When you see those three guys on one line – three star players on their own team and obviously …read more

People who have been crying over Jason Spezza not making it onto Team Canada’s Olympic roster can dry their tears.  The Ottawa Senators centre has been invited after all. 
This is, of course, only after Anaheim’s Ryan Getzlaf suffered on off-season injury and needed to be replaced.  Hockey Canada made the announcement yesterday.
Who knows, maybe this will be the last time Spezza gets to share the ice with his Senators teammate, Dany Heatley (who has been whining for a trade but refused to accept a reasonable offer from the Edmonton Oilers.   The camp takes place in Calgary from August …read more

When I saw Hockey Canada’s list of invitees for the 2010 Olympics orientation camp I breathed a sigh of relief.  Unlike the last Olympics where the hottest young players were overlooked, the prospects for the upcoming Vancouver Games are a mixture of youth and experience.  In all,  46 players have been invited to the camp.  The group is comprised of five goaltenders, 16 defencemen and 25 forwards.
Here’s the list (noticeably missing are Steven Stamkos and Chris Osgood).  What do you think?

Goaltenders

Three-time Olympian Martin Brodeur (New Jersey Devils)
2006 Olympian Roberto Luongo (Vancouver Canucks)
Stanley Cup champion Marc-André Fleury (Pittsburgh Penguins)
Steve Mason …read more

It has been announced that Detroit Red Wings coach, Mike Babcock, will assume the head coaching duties for Team Canada when they compete at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games.

Steve Yzerman, who currently serves as the executive director of Canada’s Olympic team, knows Babcock well from his time with the Red Wings so, along with the coach’s recent record, it’s not too surprising that he was chosen for the job. 
Also, while he hasn’t coached an Olympic team he did lead Team Canada to a 2004 World Championship title and the 1997 World Junior title.  I am hoping he …read more

In a move that brings me great relief, Wayne Gretzky has made it CRYSTAL CLEAR that he will not be included in anything having to do with Canada’s Olympic Hockey Team for the 2010 Vancouver Games.  “I don’t know how many times I can say this,” Gretzky told reporters.  “I’m not involved.  I don’t plan on being involved.  I really enjoyed my time with Team Canada. I think it’s a privilege to be part of Team Canada. It was a great honour for me. And I loved it.  But I really felt stepping aside and having a new regime …read more

Team Canada and Team Russia have advanced to the semifinals at the 2009 IIHF World Junior Championships in Ottawa, Ontario.  This is the first truly exciting match-up for me at the tournament (I’m sure everyone is looking forward to it).

Last year Canada squared off against USA during the semifinals and Russia faced Sweden.  Ultimately, the Canadians beat the Swedes in the Gold medal match with a final score of 3-2.
Watch it live on TSN, TSN HD and TSN.ca at 7pm et/4pm pt.
image: TSN