Jonathan Toews – 3GP, 1G, 3A, +3
A hero for Canada at both the World Junior and World Championship tournaments, Toews may well have earned a chance to shine wearing the Maple Leaf in another big International tournament. One of the top faceoff men in the league and a shootout specialist, Toews versatility has virtually guaranteed him a role for Canada in Vancouver.

Stock Up – Goaltending

Marc-Andre Fleury – 3GP, 3W, 1.56GAA, .957SP
Fleury has earned the right to pack his bags because his flight to Vancouver has already been booked. As of right now the third string goaltender role is his, however if he continues to post gaudy numbers it is not inconceivable that he seizes the primary backup role.

// Stock Up / Stock Down – December 22

Canada narrowing in on hockey Olympic roster

“There’s been a lot of back and forth but there’s been no real disagreement on players ’til this point,” said Babcock during the Team 1040 interview. “But we haven’t decided on the final couple spots, and until you do that, I think we’re basically around eight ‘D’ and I think we’re around 14 or 15 forwards.”

“Good players when asked will do whatever you ask them to do,” said Babcock. “Especially when playing for your country.”

Babcock said he and Yzerman will meet continually throughout the next week leading up to the announcement.

// TEAM CANADA

Next. Week. I guess I’ll go back to studying…. =(

As for the two Hawk forwards up for consideration, Yzerman raved about Toews and couldn’t come up with a weakness in the young captain’s game.
“He’s a great competitor. He’s physically strong and very responsible in all areas of the game,” Yzerman said. “I like everything about him. He’s a tremendous young player.”
Age or inexperience won’t keep Toews off the roster — only a deep group of centers to choose from will. But if Yzerman’s words and body language mean anything, No. 19 might be in.
“I’ve gotten to know him personally and as a player,” Yzerman said. “He’s a special young man and I like his overall game. He’s much stronger than I was at his age and he’s more mature.”
The Canadian team is expected to announce their roster on Dec. 30.

// Yzerman scouts Hawks game for Canadian Olympic team

It’s an awfully long time to wait… =(

I have officially caught OLYMPIC FEVER.

So much hockey to talk about. World Juniorsssss! I’m basically older than 90% of the team. I remember the days when I used to think these kids were old; now they really are kids. SIX-PEAT!

—–

Proud Canadian citizen Sidney Crosby shouldn’t be excluded from the fun. But the Pittsburgh Penguins captain and likely first-line center on the Olympic team wasn’t ready to jump into that pool.

Crosby said he watched the Olympics from home and was disappointed by the results, like every other Canadian fan.

“It was difficult,” he said. “There’s pressure on Canada anytime they play on the world stage. A lot of people were disappointed. The first thing you feel bad for is the players. You realize how important it is as a Canadian player to go over there and do their best. Every guy did and unfortunately it didn’t work out. I think being a player that’s the first thing you think of.”

// Despite modesty, Crosby remains Canada shoo-in

DECEMBER 30. MARK THAT DATE DOWN ON YOUR CALENDERS. TEAM CANADA WILL BE ANNOUNCED!

I, for one, and many other Canadians will be standing proud and cheering our athletes in February 2010. Only 103 days to go. GO CANADA GO!

LOL