USA Womans Hockey cuts off their nose to spite their face

[puckin_A]

THis is unbelievable. The coach of USA Womans Hockey cut Cammi GRANATO from their roster before the Olympics. The fact that one man can do this is crazy.

see Bucci's article:


Buccigross: Granato deserved better ending




By John Buccigross
Special to ESPN.com
Archive







First Period -- One Cam in, one Cam out

Who would have thought that in the same year Cam Neely was voted into the Hockey Hall of Fame by a committee of 18, Cammi Granato would be voted out of USA Hockey by a committee of one?

Ben Smith, head coach of the U.S. women's national team, cut the face of women's hockey from the team last week in cold and merciless fashion.

"Like all players, if they choose to try to play forever, their number's liable to come up," Smith said last week during a conference call.

When I spoke with Granato, she was obviously hurt and didn't want to say too much.

"I had a good camp. I felt like I was really going. Moving well, shooting well, and confident in me and our team," Granato said. "I was never told I was on a bubble to make the team."

If this decision stands, it means Cammi Granato will not be on the U.S. Olympic team and her international hockey career has come to an abrupt and unjust end.

"I'd like to think I have enough self-awareness to know when my time as a player is done," Granato said. "But if for some reason, unbeknownst to me, I couldn't see when the end was for me, I have a support group of high-level hockey people, family, teammates and friends, who give me honest assessments of my game all the time. They would tell me."

Granato's former U.S. national teammate, Sue Merz, summed up the events of the past week to me in one word over the phone Friday: "Disgusting."

"This says to me that women's hockey means nothing to USA Hockey," Merz said. "What kind of example does Ben Smith give to the younger girls on the team? If Cammi is treated this way, what does this mean for me in the future?"

Chris Bailey, who played with Granato on the gold-medal team in the 1998 Nagano Olympics, said, "The two biggest mistakes USA Hockey has ever made is not having a post-Olympic tour in 1998 and cutting Cammi Granato."

Imagine USA Soccer cutting Mia Hamm. Would they ever even think of doing that?

•ÂÂ*Granato scored the first goal in U.S. women's Olympic history.

•ÂÂ*In 2002, she carried the Olympic torch with Picabo Street and handed to Mike Eruzione, who lit the flame with his 1980 teammates.

•ÂÂ*In 1998, Granato not only carried the flag for the U.S. Olympic team at the closing ceremonies in Nagano but also led her team to the gold medal, totaling four goals and four assists in six games.

•ÂÂ*After the Olympics, Granato was hired by the Los Angeles Kings as a radio color commentator, making her the only female broadcaster in the NHL and only the second in league history.

Can you imagine Team Canada treating Hayley Wickenheiser or Steve Yzerman this way?

Like Granato, Yzerman's best days are behind him. He's 40 years old, and his knees are a wreck. Is Yzerman among the top 12 Canadian-born forwards in the NHL right now? No way. But does he belong on the Canadian Olympic team? Absolutely. Why? Because he's Steve Yzerman!

If he thinks he'd be a liability to Team Canada, Stevie Y will call executive director Wayne Gretzky and say, "Wayne, I can't do it." The point is, Gretzky would let Yzerman make that decision.


Cammi Granato led the U.S. to its first World Championships gold medal earlier this year.


Granato didn't get that chance, and Team USA executive director David Ogrean sat by and let it happen.

The most treasured women's hockey player in U.S. history, the face of U.S. women's hockey, is allowed to be treated this way? What a pathetic example of leadership and what a dangerous way to treat the program.

I went to see the U.S. women's team play Canada in Burlington, Vt., last winter and watched the team practice in Lake Placid in March.

Was Granato among the top 10 forwards on the team? Yes, and it wasn't even close. When she is on the ice, you know something smart and creative is going to happen. But, even if it were close, you wouldn't do this to an icon, especially when this person represents the Olympics ideal; especially when that person is so selfless and classy, not to mention a marketer's dream.

As Bailey said, Granato is "the glue to the team."
It makes no sense on a player level, a marketing level or a team-building level.

Some of Granato's teammates claim Smith is a power-hungry coach, one who once said he couldn't work in the NHL because he couldn't coach players who make more money than he does.

The story at February's Winter Olympics in Turin would have been Granato's swan song, not Ben Smith. The story would have been the hockey player trying to go out on top like Ray Bourque in 2001 and Jean Beliveau in 1971.

When it comes to class and grace, Granato is in a class with Bourque and Beliveau. But Smith and others wanted her out. Bourque and Beliveau left the game of hockey in championship fashion because they were classy contributors. Granato deserved the same.

"[I feel] an overwhelming sadness. I'm not an angry person. I have a big, loving family and a roster full of former teammates that I love and respect," Granato said. "But I'm so heartbroken right now. I could never fathom this is how my hockey career would end.

"My only focus was the Olympics because in my sport, that is the ultimate. Everything is geared toward that, and my entire life was geared around getting there and winning gold."

Smith and Ogrean can never undo it. They can never undo such a classless, undignified decision. There isn't enough damage control possible to undo this one. They will perhaps retire her number, give her a day and send out a nice press release, but it won't be enough.

Smith should be fired, and Granato should be reinstated. Ogrean should go back to USA Football, and Eruzione should be brought in for some much-needed heart and soul.

I left a message for Ogrean, but have yet to hear back.

Usually, silence is golden. In this case, silence is guilt.



Past praise for Granato

"Man or woman, Cammi Granato is one of the most impressive hockey leaders I've ever come across."
-- Chris Chelios, Detroit Red Wings


"She's the kind of person, who's always been a giver and there is no one who handles pressure like Cammi Granato."
-- Chris Bailey, former Olympic teammate

"When you think women's hockey, you think Cammi Granato. She's one of the pioneers. The one who opened the doors. So many little girls wanted to be Cammi Granato."
-- Mike Eruzione, captain of 1980 Miracle on Ice team

[puckin_A]

THis is unbelievable. The coach of USA Womans Hockey cut Cammi GRANATO from their roster before the Olympics. The fact that one man can do this is crazy.

see Bucci's article:


Buccigross: Granato deserved better ending




By John Buccigross
Special to ESPN.com
Archive







First Period -- One Cam in, one Cam out

Who would have thought that in the same year Cam Neely was voted into the Hockey Hall of Fame by a committee of 18, Cammi Granato would be voted out of USA Hockey by a committee of one?

Ben Smith, head coach of the U.S. women's national team, cut the face of women's hockey from the team last week in cold and merciless fashion.

"Like all players, if they choose to try to play forever, their number's liable to come up," Smith said last week during a conference call.

When I spoke with Granato, she was obviously hurt and didn't want to say too much.

"I had a good camp. I felt like I was really going. Moving well, shooting well, and confident in me and our team," Granato said. "I was never told I was on a bubble to make the team."

If this decision stands, it means Cammi Granato will not be on the U.S. Olympic team and her international hockey career has come to an abrupt and unjust end.

"I'd like to think I have enough self-awareness to know when my time as a player is done," Granato said. "But if for some reason, unbeknownst to me, I couldn't see when the end was for me, I have a support group of high-level hockey people, family, teammates and friends, who give me honest assessments of my game all the time. They would tell me."

Granato's former U.S. national teammate, Sue Merz, summed up the events of the past week to me in one word over the phone Friday: "Disgusting."

"This says to me that women's hockey means nothing to USA Hockey," Merz said. "What kind of example does Ben Smith give to the younger girls on the team? If Cammi is treated this way, what does this mean for me in the future?"

Chris Bailey, who played with Granato on the gold-medal team in the 1998 Nagano Olympics, said, "The two biggest mistakes USA Hockey has ever made is not having a post-Olympic tour in 1998 and cutting Cammi Granato."

Imagine USA Soccer cutting Mia Hamm. Would they ever even think of doing that?

•ÂÂ*Granato scored the first goal in U.S. women's Olympic history.

•ÂÂ*In 2002, she carried the Olympic torch with Picabo Street and handed to Mike Eruzione, who lit the flame with his 1980 teammates.

•ÂÂ*In 1998, Granato not only carried the flag for the U.S. Olympic team at the closing ceremonies in Nagano but also led her team to the gold medal, totaling four goals and four assists in six games.

•ÂÂ*After the Olympics, Granato was hired by the Los Angeles Kings as a radio color commentator, making her the only female broadcaster in the NHL and only the second in league history.

Can you imagine Team Canada treating Hayley Wickenheiser or Steve Yzerman this way?

Like Granato, Yzerman's best days are behind him. He's 40 years old, and his knees are a wreck. Is Yzerman among the top 12 Canadian-born forwards in the NHL right now? No way. But does he belong on the Canadian Olympic team? Absolutely. Why? Because he's Steve Yzerman!

If he thinks he'd be a liability to Team Canada, Stevie Y will call executive director Wayne Gretzky and say, "Wayne, I can't do it." The point is, Gretzky would let Yzerman make that decision.


Cammi Granato led the U.S. to its first World Championships gold medal earlier this year.


Granato didn't get that chance, and Team USA executive director David Ogrean sat by and let it happen.

The most treasured women's hockey player in U.S. history, the face of U.S. women's hockey, is allowed to be treated this way? What a pathetic example of leadership and what a dangerous way to treat the program.

I went to see the U.S. women's team play Canada in Burlington, Vt., last winter and watched the team practice in Lake Placid in March.

Was Granato among the top 10 forwards on the team? Yes, and it wasn't even close. When she is on the ice, you know something smart and creative is going to happen. But, even if it were close, you wouldn't do this to an icon, especially when this person represents the Olympics ideal; especially when that person is so selfless and classy, not to mention a marketer's dream.

As Bailey said, Granato is "the glue to the team."
It makes no sense on a player level, a marketing level or a team-building level.

Some of Granato's teammates claim Smith is a power-hungry coach, one who once said he couldn't work in the NHL because he couldn't coach players who make more money than he does.

The story at February's Winter Olympics in Turin would have been Granato's swan song, not Ben Smith. The story would have been the hockey player trying to go out on top like Ray Bourque in 2001 and Jean Beliveau in 1971.

When it comes to class and grace, Granato is in a class with Bourque and Beliveau. But Smith and others wanted her out. Bourque and Beliveau left the game of hockey in championship fashion because they were classy contributors. Granato deserved the same.

"[I feel] an overwhelming sadness. I'm not an angry person. I have a big, loving family and a roster full of former teammates that I love and respect," Granato said. "But I'm so heartbroken right now. I could never fathom this is how my hockey career would end.

"My only focus was the Olympics because in my sport, that is the ultimate. Everything is geared toward that, and my entire life was geared around getting there and winning gold."

Smith and Ogrean can never undo it. They can never undo such a classless, undignified decision. There isn't enough damage control possible to undo this one. They will perhaps retire her number, give her a day and send out a nice press release, but it won't be enough.

Smith should be fired, and Granato should be reinstated. Ogrean should go back to USA Football, and Eruzione should be brought in for some much-needed heart and soul.

I left a message for Ogrean, but have yet to hear back.

Usually, silence is golden. In this case, silence is guilt.



Past praise for Granato

"Man or woman, Cammi Granato is one of the most impressive hockey leaders I've ever come across."
-- Chris Chelios, Detroit Red Wings


"She's the kind of person, who's always been a giver and there is no one who handles pressure like Cammi Granato."
-- Chris Bailey, former Olympic teammate

"When you think women's hockey, you think Cammi Granato. She's one of the pioneers. The one who opened the doors. So many little girls wanted to be Cammi Granato."
-- Mike Eruzione, captain of 1980 Miracle on Ice team

[nccanes]

"[I feel] an overwhelming sadness. I'm not an angry person. I have a big, loving family and a roster full of former teammates that I love and respect," Granato said. "But I'm so heartbroken right now. I could never fathom this is how my hockey career would end.

"My only focus was the Olympics because in my sport, that is the ultimate. Everything is geared toward that, and my entire life was geared around getting there and winning gold."


That's heartbreaking to read - I can't imagine how she feels.

[nccanes]

"[I feel] an overwhelming sadness. I'm not an angry person. I have a big, loving family and a roster full of former teammates that I love and respect," Granato said. "But I'm so heartbroken right now. I could never fathom this is how my hockey career would end.

"My only focus was the Olympics because in my sport, that is the ultimate. Everything is geared toward that, and my entire life was geared around getting there and winning gold."


That's heartbreaking to read - I can't imagine how she feels.

[Guyute]

shocking.

she's done... please... Smith is acting like he's pulling a 40yr old... she was Phenominal in Nagano... which was only 6 years ago. an incredible player, a fantastic person... and you bet, the face of women's hockey.

Smith should be put through a very public firing, and Ogrean should immediately be tossed out on his arse.

Shameful.

[Guyute]

shocking.

she's done... please... Smith is acting like he's pulling a 40yr old... she was Phenominal in Nagano... which was only 6 years ago. an incredible player, a fantastic person... and you bet, the face of women's hockey.

Smith should be put through a very public firing, and Ogrean should immediately be tossed out on his arse.

Shameful.

[nccanes]

she's done... please... Smith is acting like he's pulling a 40yr old... she was Phenominal in Nagano... which was only 6 years ago. an incredible player, a fantastic person... and you bet, the face of women's hockey.


Yeah, I guess that poor showing at the WCs did her in. :roll:

Too bad you can't rewind these types of things.

[nccanes]

she's done... please... Smith is acting like he's pulling a 40yr old... she was Phenominal in Nagano... which was only 6 years ago. an incredible player, a fantastic person... and you bet, the face of women's hockey.


Yeah, I guess that poor showing at the WCs did her in. :roll:

Too bad you can't rewind these types of things.

[agentpreppie]

There's a lot of crap going on in women's sports like this right now. They talk about being the equivalent of USA Soccer cutting Mia Hamm. Guess what? USA Soccer did the next worse thing, they cut Brandi Chastain. You know, the woman that scored the winning penalty kick when the World Cup was here? She also only helped spark the team back to life when she went into games OFF THE BENCH. So what if she's older and maybe a little slower. People that have done what Brandi and Cammi have done deserve the chance to say when they are done. They're such competitors, they know when it's time to leave the game. The problem the teams will have is that such players also command respect and are listened to in the locker room.

Baseline, treating great players like this is bush league bull$h!t

[agentpreppie]

There's a lot of crap going on in women's sports like this right now. They talk about being the equivalent of USA Soccer cutting Mia Hamm. Guess what? USA Soccer did the next worse thing, they cut Brandi Chastain. You know, the woman that scored the winning penalty kick when the World Cup was here? She also only helped spark the team back to life when she went into games OFF THE BENCH. So what if she's older and maybe a little slower. People that have done what Brandi and Cammi have done deserve the chance to say when they are done. They're such competitors, they know when it's time to leave the game. The problem the teams will have is that such players also command respect and are listened to in the locker room.

Baseline, treating great players like this is bush league bull$h!t

[nccanes]

Cutting Brandi Chastain is not the equivalent of cutting Mia Hamm. Just sayin'.

[nccanes]

Cutting Brandi Chastain is not the equivalent of cutting Mia Hamm. Just sayin'.

[Turbulence]

Absolutely ridiculous. They are acting like little children. She didn't deserve this...and the way in which this was conducted is just shameful, it really is. That's a very good word to describe it.

[Turbulence]

Absolutely ridiculous. They are acting like little children. She didn't deserve this...and the way in which this was conducted is just shameful, it really is. That's a very good word to describe it.

[goalie33]

But after Chastain was cut, the players had the coach fired. There's also the issue of Chastain trying to play her old game without the speed of the past and getting caught out from time to time. That works in club soccer (Cobi Jones does it as well), but not so well in a national side. Anyway, that's a whole 'nother argument.

[goalie33]

But after Chastain was cut, the players had the coach fired. There's also the issue of Chastain trying to play her old game without the speed of the past and getting caught out from time to time. That works in club soccer (Cobi Jones does it as well), but not so well in a national side. Anyway, that's a whole 'nother argument.

[puck_it]

JUST WTF...

[puck_it]

JUST WTF...

[apolinar]

OLN, there's someone to hire and pay big money to for NHL commentary now because of some JERKS.

[apolinar]

OLN, there's someone to hire and pay big money to for NHL commentary now because of some JERKS.

[Alicia]

Disgraceful... :mad:

[Alicia]

Disgraceful... :mad:

[tommy]

that ******* cut her just so that he could be the one to do it and get the facetime, i swear to god, what an ass...

[tommy]

that ******* cut her just so that he could be the one to do it and get the facetime, i swear to god, what an ass...

[puckin_A]

I have tried to find somewhere we could all email and show them our disgust.....but USAHOCKEY site only has the webmasters email.

[puckin_A]

I have tried to find somewhere we could all email and show them our disgust.....but USAHOCKEY site only has the webmasters email.

[caniac369]

Ben Smith sucks. :sick:

[caniac369]

Ben Smith sucks. :sick:

[Fernando da Silva]

Absolutely ridiculous. No comments.

[Fernando da Silva]

Absolutely ridiculous. No comments.

[puckin_A]

well the Americans lost to the Canadians in the Four Nations Cup....

on to Turin........pay backs.....

[puckin_A]

well the Americans lost to the Canadians in the Four Nations Cup....

on to Turin........pay backs.....

[puckin_A]

guys, check this out. Ben Smith is an ASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.thehockeynews.com/en/news/news.asp?idNews=19156



Thursday, October 13, 2005


GRANATO "DIDN'T SEE IT COMING"
by Mike Brophy


After 15 years of service, the 34-year-old former captain of the U.S. women’s national team was cut from the squad that will go to the 2006 Olympics in Turin, Italy. Granato, with 177 goals in 191 international games, was summoned to coach Ben Smith’s office the night before the Olympic team was announced and was unceremoniously dumped.

“I didn’t see it coming,� said a disappointed Granato from her home in British Columbia. “I was never told by Ben Smith I was on the bubble. If someone was going to tell me I was on the bubble, I would’ve had a different mindset knowing there was a chance I might not make the team.�

Smith said Granato’s performance at the Olympic tryout camp was merely OK. “Cammi is a smart player, but she didn’t look like she was in the top group as far as the forwards were concerned,� he said. “There were 40 people fighting to make the team.�

Granato, who has played for Team USA since 1990 and is the only player to represent the U.S. in every women’s world championship, led America in scoring in three world championships and tied for first in another. In 1998 in Nagano, when the U.S. upset Canada to win the first women’s Olympic gold medal, she tied for the team lead with eight points.

Injuries have affected her play in recent years, but she has recovered and was thrilled following the team’s 2004 summer camp to receive a handwritten letter from Smith indicating how pleased he was with her play. He told her she was ranked in the top one-quarter of the 26 forwards.

Granato struggled at the 2005 Four Nations Cup with tendonitis in her knee, but finished the worlds with a goal and four points in five games. She felt her game was in great shape; the last thing on her mind was being cut.

“It absolutely came out of left field,� Granato said. “I get called into his office the night before the final roster was to be named. I walked into his room and the second I sat down, he said to me, ‘Your time has come.’ I was shocked. He said, ‘This is the end of the road for you.’ I told him I didn’t understand and said, ‘Is this a joke?’ He said he couldn’t believe that I didn’t see it…that I had slowed down. I said, ‘You can’t tell me I’m not in the top 12 of your forwards.’ He said, ‘If you’re not on my top line, you’re not on my team.’

“I asked him if I could play if there are injuries or if he needs alternates and he said, ‘Don’t wait by the phone.’"

When a player like Granato is cut from the national team, that’s the end of the line.

“If we cut Joe Sakic, he goes to another team and tries to prove we were wrong,� said Cammi’s brother Tony Granato, an assistant coach with the Colorado Avalanche. “Cammi has nowhere to go.�

Now, while trying to overcome the shock of being cut, Granato hopes to pursue broadcasting opportunities.
Putting the shock behind her has not been easy, though she has received plenty of support. Three Canadian players and a member of Canada’s coaching staff called upon hearing the news. “I was completely shocked when I heard,� said Canadian captain Cassie Campbell. “I think she is a still an unbelievable hockey player and I would have her on my team anytime.

“If she wants to play for Canada, we’ll take her in a heartbeat. I find it hard to imagine this was the right decision. I’m not in their dressing room and I’m not involved in their program, but this is definitely a huge loss for women’s hockey.�

that's nice, but she better not!

Added Detroit defenseman Chris Chelios, a longtime U.S. national team stalwart: “After all she has accomplished, Cammi should be able to write her own ticket. She has been an amazing ambassador for her sport. In my mind she’s like Steve Yzerman or Michael Jordan.�

Granato can’t believe she won’t play in the 2006 Olympics. “Every bit of training I did this summer was with the intention of being a big part of the Olympic team,� she said. “I came to camp in great shape and I felt I could contribute a lot to the team. I would certainly understand this if my play wasn’t up to par. I would have bowed out gracefully. I don’t feel that way, but unfortunately I’m not the one making the decision and that is the hardest part.�

Smith said he has no regrets. “It was obviously a difficult decision when it comes down to such a great past performer. It was an emotional time for everyone involved, but our job is to try to put forth the best team that gives us the best chance of winning.�

If Team USA wins gold in Turin, Smith’s decision to cut Granato can’t be second-guessed. But regardless of the outcome, the way Smith handled cutting a classy veteran should alert other U.S. women internationals.

Keep your heads up, ladies.

************************************************

for all she has done for USA Hockey, I can't believe this guy would be so RUDE!!!.....the way he talked to her was uncalled for.

[puckin_A]

guys, check this out. Ben Smith is an ASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.thehockeynews.com/en/news/news.asp?idNews=19156



Thursday, October 13, 2005


GRANATO "DIDN'T SEE IT COMING"
by Mike Brophy


After 15 years of service, the 34-year-old former captain of the U.S. women’s national team was cut from the squad that will go to the 2006 Olympics in Turin, Italy. Granato, with 177 goals in 191 international games, was summoned to coach Ben Smith’s office the night before the Olympic team was announced and was unceremoniously dumped.

“I didn’t see it coming,� said a disappointed Granato from her home in British Columbia. “I was never told by Ben Smith I was on the bubble. If someone was going to tell me I was on the bubble, I would’ve had a different mindset knowing there was a chance I might not make the team.�

Smith said Granato’s performance at the Olympic tryout camp was merely OK. “Cammi is a smart player, but she didn’t look like she was in the top group as far as the forwards were concerned,� he said. “There were 40 people fighting to make the team.�

Granato, who has played for Team USA since 1990 and is the only player to represent the U.S. in every women’s world championship, led America in scoring in three world championships and tied for first in another. In 1998 in Nagano, when the U.S. upset Canada to win the first women’s Olympic gold medal, she tied for the team lead with eight points.

Injuries have affected her play in recent years, but she has recovered and was thrilled following the team’s 2004 summer camp to receive a handwritten letter from Smith indicating how pleased he was with her play. He told her she was ranked in the top one-quarter of the 26 forwards.

Granato struggled at the 2005 Four Nations Cup with tendonitis in her knee, but finished the worlds with a goal and four points in five games. She felt her game was in great shape; the last thing on her mind was being cut.

“It absolutely came out of left field,� Granato said. “I get called into his office the night before the final roster was to be named. I walked into his room and the second I sat down, he said to me, ‘Your time has come.’ I was shocked. He said, ‘This is the end of the road for you.’ I told him I didn’t understand and said, ‘Is this a joke?’ He said he couldn’t believe that I didn’t see it…that I had slowed down. I said, ‘You can’t tell me I’m not in the top 12 of your forwards.’ He said, ‘If you’re not on my top line, you’re not on my team.’

“I asked him if I could play if there are injuries or if he needs alternates and he said, ‘Don’t wait by the phone.’"

When a player like Granato is cut from the national team, that’s the end of the line.

“If we cut Joe Sakic, he goes to another team and tries to prove we were wrong,� said Cammi’s brother Tony Granato, an assistant coach with the Colorado Avalanche. “Cammi has nowhere to go.�

Now, while trying to overcome the shock of being cut, Granato hopes to pursue broadcasting opportunities.
Putting the shock behind her has not been easy, though she has received plenty of support. Three Canadian players and a member of Canada’s coaching staff called upon hearing the news. “I was completely shocked when I heard,� said Canadian captain Cassie Campbell. “I think she is a still an unbelievable hockey player and I would have her on my team anytime.

“If she wants to play for Canada, we’ll take her in a heartbeat. I find it hard to imagine this was the right decision. I’m not in their dressing room and I’m not involved in their program, but this is definitely a huge loss for women’s hockey.�

that's nice, but she better not!

Added Detroit defenseman Chris Chelios, a longtime U.S. national team stalwart: “After all she has accomplished, Cammi should be able to write her own ticket. She has been an amazing ambassador for her sport. In my mind she’s like Steve Yzerman or Michael Jordan.�

Granato can’t believe she won’t play in the 2006 Olympics. “Every bit of training I did this summer was with the intention of being a big part of the Olympic team,� she said. “I came to camp in great shape and I felt I could contribute a lot to the team. I would certainly understand this if my play wasn’t up to par. I would have bowed out gracefully. I don’t feel that way, but unfortunately I’m not the one making the decision and that is the hardest part.�

Smith said he has no regrets. “It was obviously a difficult decision when it comes down to such a great past performer. It was an emotional time for everyone involved, but our job is to try to put forth the best team that gives us the best chance of winning.�

If Team USA wins gold in Turin, Smith’s decision to cut Granato can’t be second-guessed. But regardless of the outcome, the way Smith handled cutting a classy veteran should alert other U.S. women internationals.

Keep your heads up, ladies.

************************************************

for all she has done for USA Hockey, I can't believe this guy would be so RUDE!!!.....the way he talked to her was uncalled for.

[puckin_A]

guys, check this out. Ben Smith is an ASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.thehockeynews.com/en/news/news.asp?idNews=19156



Thursday, October 13, 2005


GRANATO "DIDN'T SEE IT COMING"
by Mike Brophy


After 15 years of service, the 34-year-old former captain of the U.S. women’s national team was cut from the squad that will go to the 2006 Olympics in Turin, Italy. Granato, with 177 goals in 191 international games, was summoned to coach Ben Smith’s office the night before the Olympic team was announced and was unceremoniously dumped.

“I didn’t see it coming,� said a disappointed Granato from her home in British Columbia. “I was never told by Ben Smith I was on the bubble. If someone was going to tell me I was on the bubble, I would’ve had a different mindset knowing there was a chance I might not make the team.�

Smith said Granato’s performance at the Olympic tryout camp was merely OK. “Cammi is a smart player, but she didn’t look like she was in the top group as far as the forwards were concerned,� he said. “There were 40 people fighting to make the team.�

Granato, who has played for Team USA since 1990 and is the only player to represent the U.S. in every women’s world championship, led America in scoring in three world championships and tied for first in another. In 1998 in Nagano, when the U.S. upset Canada to win the first women’s Olympic gold medal, she tied for the team lead with eight points.

Injuries have affected her play in recent years, but she has recovered and was thrilled following the team’s 2004 summer camp to receive a handwritten letter from Smith indicating how pleased he was with her play. He told her she was ranked in the top one-quarter of the 26 forwards.

Granato struggled at the 2005 Four Nations Cup with tendonitis in her knee, but finished the worlds with a goal and four points in five games. She felt her game was in great shape; the last thing on her mind was being cut.

“It absolutely came out of left field,� Granato said. “I get called into his office the night before the final roster was to be named. I walked into his room and the second I sat down, he said to me, ‘Your time has come.’ I was shocked. He said, ‘This is the end of the road for you.’ I told him I didn’t understand and said, ‘Is this a joke?’ He said he couldn’t believe that I didn’t see it…that I had slowed down. I said, ‘You can’t tell me I’m not in the top 12 of your forwards.’ He said, ‘If you’re not on my top line, you’re not on my team.’

“I asked him if I could play if there are injuries or if he needs alternates and he said, ‘Don’t wait by the phone.’"

When a player like Granato is cut from the national team, that’s the end of the line.

“If we cut Joe Sakic, he goes to another team and tries to prove we were wrong,� said Cammi’s brother Tony Granato, an assistant coach with the Colorado Avalanche. “Cammi has nowhere to go.�

Now, while trying to overcome the shock of being cut, Granato hopes to pursue broadcasting opportunities.
Putting the shock behind her has not been easy, though she has received plenty of support. Three Canadian players and a member of Canada’s coaching staff called upon hearing the news. “I was completely shocked when I heard,� said Canadian captain Cassie Campbell. “I think she is a still an unbelievable hockey player and I would have her on my team anytime.

“If she wants to play for Canada, we’ll take her in a heartbeat. I find it hard to imagine this was the right decision. I’m not in their dressing room and I’m not involved in their program, but this is definitely a huge loss for women’s hockey.�

that's nice, but she better not!

Added Detroit defenseman Chris Chelios, a longtime U.S. national team stalwart: “After all she has accomplished, Cammi should be able to write her own ticket. She has been an amazing ambassador for her sport. In my mind she’s like Steve Yzerman or Michael Jordan.�

Granato can’t believe she won’t play in the 2006 Olympics. “Every bit of training I did this summer was with the intention of being a big part of the Olympic team,� she said. “I came to camp in great shape and I felt I could contribute a lot to the team. I would certainly understand this if my play wasn’t up to par. I would have bowed out gracefully. I don’t feel that way, but unfortunately I’m not the one making the decision and that is the hardest part.�

Smith said he has no regrets. “It was obviously a difficult decision when it comes down to such a great past performer. It was an emotional time for everyone involved, but our job is to try to put forth the best team that gives us the best chance of winning.�

If Team USA wins gold in Turin, Smith’s decision to cut Granato can’t be second-guessed. But regardless of the outcome, the way Smith handled cutting a classy veteran should alert other U.S. women internationals.

Keep your heads up, ladies.

************************************************

for all she has done for USA Hockey, I can't believe this guy would be so RUDE!!!.....the way he talked to her was uncalled for.

[puckin_A]

guys, check this out. Ben Smith is an ASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.thehockeynews.com/en/news/news.asp?idNews=19156



Thursday, October 13, 2005


GRANATO "DIDN'T SEE IT COMING"
by Mike Brophy


After 15 years of service, the 34-year-old former captain of the U.S. women’s national team was cut from the squad that will go to the 2006 Olympics in Turin, Italy. Granato, with 177 goals in 191 international games, was summoned to coach Ben Smith’s office the night before the Olympic team was announced and was unceremoniously dumped.

“I didn’t see it coming,� said a disappointed Granato from her home in British Columbia. “I was never told by Ben Smith I was on the bubble. If someone was going to tell me I was on the bubble, I would’ve had a different mindset knowing there was a chance I might not make the team.�

Smith said Granato’s performance at the Olympic tryout camp was merely OK. “Cammi is a smart player, but she didn’t look like she was in the top group as far as the forwards were concerned,� he said. “There were 40 people fighting to make the team.�

Granato, who has played for Team USA since 1990 and is the only player to represent the U.S. in every women’s world championship, led America in scoring in three world championships and tied for first in another. In 1998 in Nagano, when the U.S. upset Canada to win the first women’s Olympic gold medal, she tied for the team lead with eight points.

Injuries have affected her play in recent years, but she has recovered and was thrilled following the team’s 2004 summer camp to receive a handwritten letter from Smith indicating how pleased he was with her play. He told her she was ranked in the top one-quarter of the 26 forwards.

Granato struggled at the 2005 Four Nations Cup with tendonitis in her knee, but finished the worlds with a goal and four points in five games. She felt her game was in great shape; the last thing on her mind was being cut.

“It absolutely came out of left field,� Granato said. “I get called into his office the night before the final roster was to be named. I walked into his room and the second I sat down, he said to me, ‘Your time has come.’ I was shocked. He said, ‘This is the end of the road for you.’ I told him I didn’t understand and said, ‘Is this a joke?’ He said he couldn’t believe that I didn’t see it…that I had slowed down. I said, ‘You can’t tell me I’m not in the top 12 of your forwards.’ He said, ‘If you’re not on my top line, you’re not on my team.’

“I asked him if I could play if there are injuries or if he needs alternates and he said, ‘Don’t wait by the phone.’"

When a player like Granato is cut from the national team, that’s the end of the line.

“If we cut Joe Sakic, he goes to another team and tries to prove we were wrong,� said Cammi’s brother Tony Granato, an assistant coach with the Colorado Avalanche. “Cammi has nowhere to go.�

Now, while trying to overcome the shock of being cut, Granato hopes to pursue broadcasting opportunities.
Putting the shock behind her has not been easy, though she has received plenty of support. Three Canadian players and a member of Canada’s coaching staff called upon hearing the news. “I was completely shocked when I heard,� said Canadian captain Cassie Campbell. “I think she is a still an unbelievable hockey player and I would have her on my team anytime.

“If she wants to play for Canada, we’ll take her in a heartbeat. I find it hard to imagine this was the right decision. I’m not in their dressing room and I’m not involved in their program, but this is definitely a huge loss for women’s hockey.�

that's nice, but she better not!

Added Detroit defenseman Chris Chelios, a longtime U.S. national team stalwart: “After all she has accomplished, Cammi should be able to write her own ticket. She has been an amazing ambassador for her sport. In my mind she’s like Steve Yzerman or Michael Jordan.�

Granato can’t believe she won’t play in the 2006 Olympics. “Every bit of training I did this summer was with the intention of being a big part of the Olympic team,� she said. “I came to camp in great shape and I felt I could contribute a lot to the team. I would certainly understand this if my play wasn’t up to par. I would have bowed out gracefully. I don’t feel that way, but unfortunately I’m not the one making the decision and that is the hardest part.�

Smith said he has no regrets. “It was obviously a difficult decision when it comes down to such a great past performer. It was an emotional time for everyone involved, but our job is to try to put forth the best team that gives us the best chance of winning.�

If Team USA wins gold in Turin, Smith’s decision to cut Granato can’t be second-guessed. But regardless of the outcome, the way Smith handled cutting a classy veteran should alert other U.S. women internationals.

Keep your heads up, ladies.

************************************************

for all she has done for USA Hockey, I can't believe this guy would be so RUDE!!!.....the way he talked to her was uncalled for.

[StormChaserBH]

'This is the end of the road for you.’ ??!! ‘Don’t wait by the phone.’ ??!! What a prick.

[StormChaserBH]

'This is the end of the road for you.’ ??!! ‘Don’t wait by the phone.’ ??!! What a prick.

[StormChaserBH]

'This is the end of the road for you.’ ??!! ‘Don’t wait by the phone.’ ??!! What a prick.

[StormChaserBH]

'This is the end of the road for you.’ ??!! ‘Don’t wait by the phone.’ ??!! What a prick.

[puck_it]

wtf

[puck_it]

wtf

[puck_it]

wtf

[puck_it]

wtf

[Guyute]

Granato struggled at the 2005 Four Nations Cup with tendonitis in her knee, but finished the worlds with a goal and four points in five games.

sure sounds like she slowed down a lot... I mean, only 4 points in 5 games... damn you Cammie, get your head on straight! /roll.

I'd like to bump into Smith in a dark alley.

[Guyute]

Granato struggled at the 2005 Four Nations Cup with tendonitis in her knee, but finished the worlds with a goal and four points in five games.

sure sounds like she slowed down a lot... I mean, only 4 points in 5 games... damn you Cammie, get your head on straight! /roll.

I'd like to bump into Smith in a dark alley.

[Guyute]

Granato struggled at the 2005 Four Nations Cup with tendonitis in her knee, but finished the worlds with a goal and four points in five games.

sure sounds like she slowed down a lot... I mean, only 4 points in 5 games... damn you Cammie, get your head on straight! /roll.

I'd like to bump into Smith in a dark alley.

[Guyute]

Granato struggled at the 2005 Four Nations Cup with tendonitis in her knee, but finished the worlds with a goal and four points in five games.

sure sounds like she slowed down a lot... I mean, only 4 points in 5 games... damn you Cammie, get your head on straight! /roll.

I'd like to bump into Smith in a dark alley.