Team Canada Final Roster Released

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Will he or won't he is the question for most of us Canes fans, I suppose.

I'll be all about Team Canada (when they aren't playing USA of course) if they go with Staal. Not sure how I'll feel if they don't. It's their funeral. ;)

Announcement coming on TSN.ca at 5pm! Nice blurb on the TSN main page listing hopefuls and not even mentioning Staal. :roll:

Somebody post when you get the list!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Will he or won't he is the question for most of us Canes fans, I suppose.

I'll be all about Team Canada (when they aren't playing USA of course) if they go with Staal. Not sure how I'll feel if they don't. It's their funeral. ;)

Announcement coming on TSN.ca at 5pm! Nice blurb on the TSN main page listing hopefuls and not even mentioning Staal. :roll:

Somebody post when you get the list!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Will he or won't he is the question for most of us Canes fans, I suppose.

I'll be all about Team Canada (when they aren't playing USA of course) if they go with Staal. Not sure how I'll feel if they don't. It's their funeral. ;)

Announcement coming on TSN.ca at 5pm! Nice blurb on the TSN main page listing hopefuls and not even mentioning Staal. :roll:

Somebody post when you get the list!

[agentpreppie]

I can't help but think the fact that Sundheim and Forslund haven't updated their blogs today is a good sign for Staal.

[agentpreppie]

I can't help but think the fact that Sundheim and Forslund haven't updated their blogs today is a good sign for Staal.

[agentpreppie]

I can't help but think the fact that Sundheim and Forslund haven't updated their blogs today is a good sign for Staal.

[MIKELIUT]

live cybercast

go to htt://www.tsn.ca
click on the "watch live" on right side of page

Team Canada Hockey Announcement

Hockey Canada will reveal the men’s and women’s hockey rosters for Team Canada's 2006 Olympic squads. Watch the cybercast of the SPORTSCENTRE Special starting at 4:30pm et/1:30pm pt.

* Watch live coverage now on TSN.ca.

[MIKELIUT]

live cybercast

go to htt://www.tsn.ca
click on the "watch live" on right side of page

Team Canada Hockey Announcement

Hockey Canada will reveal the men’s and women’s hockey rosters for Team Canada's 2006 Olympic squads. Watch the cybercast of the SPORTSCENTRE Special starting at 4:30pm et/1:30pm pt.

* Watch live coverage now on TSN.ca.

[MIKELIUT]

live cybercast

go to htt://www.tsn.ca
click on the "watch live" on right side of page

Team Canada Hockey Announcement

Hockey Canada will reveal the men’s and women’s hockey rosters for Team Canada's 2006 Olympic squads. Watch the cybercast of the SPORTSCENTRE Special starting at 4:30pm et/1:30pm pt.

* Watch live coverage now on TSN.ca.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

If you're not on the cybercast yet, you haven't missed anything.

God, I wish they'd shut up and announce the freakin' list, already. It's well after 5pm, now.

There has been a "wire" report that Crosby is out, Bertuzzi is in. Just a rumour, though.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

If you're not on the cybercast yet, you haven't missed anything.

God, I wish they'd shut up and announce the freakin' list, already. It's well after 5pm, now.

There has been a "wire" report that Crosby is out, Bertuzzi is in. Just a rumour, though.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

If you're not on the cybercast yet, you haven't missed anything.

God, I wish they'd shut up and announce the freakin' list, already. It's well after 5pm, now.

There has been a "wire" report that Crosby is out, Bertuzzi is in. Just a rumour, though.

[nccanes]

I'm stuck at work, and our firewall is blocking the cybercast.

TSN.com is reporting the Bert in/Sid out as well.

[nccanes]

I'm stuck at work, and our firewall is blocking the cybercast.

TSN.com is reporting the Bert in/Sid out as well.

[nccanes]

I'm stuck at work, and our firewall is blocking the cybercast.

TSN.com is reporting the Bert in/Sid out as well.

[nccanes]

Also Eric Staal and Jason Spezza have both been named to the 3-man taxi squad.

Great. More waiting.

[nccanes]

Also Eric Staal and Jason Spezza have both been named to the 3-man taxi squad.

Great. More waiting.

[nccanes]

Also Eric Staal and Jason Spezza have both been named to the 3-man taxi squad.

Great. More waiting.

[MIKELIUT]

ESPN News ch 142 TW Cable Raleigh will carry live coverage starting at 5:20 pm today

[MIKELIUT]

ESPN News ch 142 TW Cable Raleigh will carry live coverage starting at 5:20 pm today

[MIKELIUT]

ESPN News ch 142 TW Cable Raleigh will carry live coverage starting at 5:20 pm today

[Alicia]

Also Eric Staal and Jason Spezza have both been named to the 3-man taxi squad.

Great. More waiting.

:fire:

I can't get the cybercast, either.

[Alicia]

Also Eric Staal and Jason Spezza have both been named to the 3-man taxi squad.

Great. More waiting.

:fire:

I can't get the cybercast, either.

[Alicia]

Also Eric Staal and Jason Spezza have both been named to the 3-man taxi squad.

Great. More waiting.

:fire:

I can't get the cybercast, either.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I can't get the cybercast, either.

Honestly, it's excruciating.

Just read the damn list.

Assuming we can trust TSN, we already know about Staaly anyway.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I can't get the cybercast, either.

Honestly, it's excruciating.

Just read the damn list.

Assuming we can trust TSN, we already know about Staaly anyway.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I can't get the cybercast, either.

Honestly, it's excruciating.

Just read the damn list.

Assuming we can trust TSN, we already know about Staaly anyway.

[Alicia]

I can't get the cybercast, either.

Honestly, it's excruciating.

Just read the damn list.

Assuming we can trust TSN, we already know about Staaly anyway.

Lot of blah, blah, blah huh?

[Alicia]

I can't get the cybercast, either.

Honestly, it's excruciating.

Just read the damn list.

Assuming we can trust TSN, we already know about Staaly anyway.

Lot of blah, blah, blah huh?

[Alicia]

I can't get the cybercast, either.

Honestly, it's excruciating.

Just read the damn list.

Assuming we can trust TSN, we already know about Staaly anyway.

Lot of blah, blah, blah huh?

[MIKELIUT]

Luongo, Brodeur, Turco

[MIKELIUT]

Luongo, Brodeur, Turco

[MIKELIUT]

Luongo, Brodeur, Turco

[MIKELIUT]

Rob Blake, Adam Foote, Scott Niedermyer,

[MIKELIUT]

Rob Blake, Adam Foote, Scott Niedermyer,

[MIKELIUT]

Rob Blake, Adam Foote, Scott Niedermyer,

[MIKELIUT]

ESPN stat crawl says John Grahame has a 2.86 ERA

[MIKELIUT]

ESPN stat crawl says John Grahame has a 2.86 ERA

[MIKELIUT]

ESPN stat crawl says John Grahame has a 2.86 ERA

[nccanes]

ESPN stat crawl says John Grahame has a 2.86 ERA

:laugh: :laugh:

Thanks for the laugh while I'm sitting here refreshing this thread.

[nccanes]

ESPN stat crawl says John Grahame has a 2.86 ERA

:laugh: :laugh:

Thanks for the laugh while I'm sitting here refreshing this thread.

[nccanes]

ESPN stat crawl says John Grahame has a 2.86 ERA

:laugh: :laugh:

Thanks for the laugh while I'm sitting here refreshing this thread.

[JaroFan]

OMG I just realized those aren't the players. :crazy: Boy do I feel dumb.

[JaroFan]

OMG I just realized those aren't the players. :crazy: Boy do I feel dumb.

[JaroFan]

OMG I just realized those aren't the players. :crazy: Boy do I feel dumb.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Pronger, Redden, Regehr

Forwards:
Gagne, Doan, Draper

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Pronger, Redden, Regehr

Forwards:
Gagne, Doan, Draper

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Pronger, Redden, Regehr

Forwards:
Gagne, Doan, Draper

[nccanes]

OMG I just realized those aren't the players. :crazy: Boy do I feel dumb.

????

[nccanes]

OMG I just realized those aren't the players. :crazy: Boy do I feel dumb.

????

[nccanes]

OMG I just realized those aren't the players. :crazy: Boy do I feel dumb.

????

[MIKELIUT]

missed a couple of names (out of the room)

more names: Chris Pronger, Robin Riguere, Shane Doane, Simon Gagne, Chris Draper

ESPN News gave up at 5:30 and went off to other programmming after announcing the goalies

[MIKELIUT]

missed a couple of names (out of the room)

more names: Chris Pronger, Robin Riguere, Shane Doane, Simon Gagne, Chris Draper

ESPN News gave up at 5:30 and went off to other programmming after announcing the goalies

[MIKELIUT]

missed a couple of names (out of the room)

more names: Chris Pronger, Robin Riguere, Shane Doane, Simon Gagne, Chris Draper

ESPN News gave up at 5:30 and went off to other programmming after announcing the goalies

[JaroFan]

OMG I just realized those aren't the players. :crazy: Boy do I feel dumb.

????

The people in the jerseys. I was going back & forth and after they'd call a name i'd go look at the screen and just see that back of them walking. I couldn't figure out why some of them had long hair! :eek:

[JaroFan]

OMG I just realized those aren't the players. :crazy: Boy do I feel dumb.

????

The people in the jerseys. I was going back & forth and after they'd call a name i'd go look at the screen and just see that back of them walking. I couldn't figure out why some of them had long hair! :eek:

[JaroFan]

OMG I just realized those aren't the players. :crazy: Boy do I feel dumb.

????

The people in the jerseys. I was going back & forth and after they'd call a name i'd go look at the screen and just see that back of them walking. I couldn't figure out why some of them had long hair! :eek:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Heatley, Iginla, LeCavalier

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Heatley, Iginla, LeCavalier

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Heatley, Iginla, LeCavalier

[nccanes]

I swear it takes less time to announce all 64 teams and their brackets for the NCAA b-ball tournament.

[nccanes]

I swear it takes less time to announce all 64 teams and their brackets for the NCAA b-ball tournament.

[nccanes]

I swear it takes less time to announce all 64 teams and their brackets for the NCAA b-ball tournament.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I swear it takes less time to announce all 64 teams and their brackets for the NCAA b-ball tournament.

The freakin' NHL draft takes less time.


Rick Nash, Brad Richards, Ryan Smyth

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I swear it takes less time to announce all 64 teams and their brackets for the NCAA b-ball tournament.

The freakin' NHL draft takes less time.


Rick Nash, Brad Richards, Ryan Smyth

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I swear it takes less time to announce all 64 teams and their brackets for the NCAA b-ball tournament.

The freakin' NHL draft takes less time.


Rick Nash, Brad Richards, Ryan Smyth

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Martin St Louis, Joe Thornton

Back to d-men....Jovonovski

Back to forwards....Bertuzzi

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Martin St Louis, Joe Thornton

Back to d-men....Jovonovski

Back to forwards....Bertuzzi

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Martin St Louis, Joe Thornton

Back to d-men....Jovonovski

Back to forwards....Bertuzzi

[SouthernHockeyChick]

ALTERNATES!!!

Bryan McCabe

Jason Spezza

Eric Staal

[SouthernHockeyChick]

ALTERNATES!!!

Bryan McCabe

Jason Spezza

Eric Staal

[SouthernHockeyChick]

ALTERNATES!!!

Bryan McCabe

Jason Spezza

Eric Staal

[Staalgurl4ever]

Sources say that Crosby did not make it.

[Staalgurl4ever]

Sources say that Crosby did not make it.

[Staalgurl4ever]

Sources say that Crosby did not make it.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Canada's captain....Joe Sakic.

I was starting to wonder, lol.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Canada's captain....Joe Sakic.

I was starting to wonder, lol.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Canada's captain....Joe Sakic.

I was starting to wonder, lol.

[Alicia]

Sources say that Crosby did not make it.

Stated earlier above ^^^.

[Alicia]

Sources say that Crosby did not make it.

Stated earlier above ^^^.

[Alicia]

Sources say that Crosby did not make it.

Stated earlier above ^^^.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

So, the complete roster just so folks don't have to read the whole thread if they don't want.....

Goal:
Martin Brodeur, Roberto Luongo, Marty Turco

Defense:
Rob Blake, Adam Foote, Ed Jovanovski, Scott Neidermayer, Chris Pronger, Wade Redden, Robin Regehr

Forwards:
Joe Sakic, Joe Thornton, Dany Heatley, Simon Gagne, Jarome Iginla, Vincent LeCavalier, Martin St Louis, Brad Richards, Shane Doan, Kris Draper, Ryan Smyth, Todd Bertuzzi, Rick Nash

Alternates:
Bryan McCabe, Jason Spezza, Eric Staal

[SouthernHockeyChick]

So, the complete roster just so folks don't have to read the whole thread if they don't want.....

Goal:
Martin Brodeur, Roberto Luongo, Marty Turco

Defense:
Rob Blake, Adam Foote, Ed Jovanovski, Scott Neidermayer, Chris Pronger, Wade Redden, Robin Regehr

Forwards:
Joe Sakic, Joe Thornton, Dany Heatley, Simon Gagne, Jarome Iginla, Vincent LeCavalier, Martin St Louis, Brad Richards, Shane Doan, Kris Draper, Ryan Smyth, Todd Bertuzzi, Rick Nash

Alternates:
Bryan McCabe, Jason Spezza, Eric Staal

[SouthernHockeyChick]

So, the complete roster just so folks don't have to read the whole thread if they don't want.....

Goal:
Martin Brodeur, Roberto Luongo, Marty Turco

Defense:
Rob Blake, Adam Foote, Ed Jovanovski, Scott Neidermayer, Chris Pronger, Wade Redden, Robin Regehr

Forwards:
Joe Sakic, Joe Thornton, Dany Heatley, Simon Gagne, Jarome Iginla, Vincent LeCavalier, Martin St Louis, Brad Richards, Shane Doan, Kris Draper, Ryan Smyth, Todd Bertuzzi, Rick Nash

Alternates:
Bryan McCabe, Jason Spezza, Eric Staal

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

Well I'll take alternate over nothing. Good for Staalsy! :D

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

Well I'll take alternate over nothing. Good for Staalsy! :D

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

Well I'll take alternate over nothing. Good for Staalsy! :D

[Captain Slack]

Rick Nash, who's been injured all year, made it over Staal & Spezza?!?

How does that work? :crazy:

[Captain Slack]

Rick Nash, who's been injured all year, made it over Staal & Spezza?!?

How does that work? :crazy:

[Captain Slack]

Rick Nash, who's been injured all year, made it over Staal & Spezza?!?

How does that work? :crazy:

[nccanes]

Rick Nash, who's been injured all year, made it over Staal & Spezza?!?

How does that work? :crazy:

Well, he's a wing for starters. :)

[nccanes]

Rick Nash, who's been injured all year, made it over Staal & Spezza?!?

How does that work? :crazy:

Well, he's a wing for starters. :)

[nccanes]

Rick Nash, who's been injured all year, made it over Staal & Spezza?!?

How does that work? :crazy:

Well, he's a wing for starters. :)

[SoCalcaniac]

I'm horribly disappointed. Staal made his case- and damn it, this sucks. :cry: I'm still watching the Cybercast, and Maguire & Miller asked Kevin Lowe about the 'kids' and Lowe said it really came down to Staal & Spezza but 'the older experienced guys won out'.

The taxi squad isn't good enough for Staal he should be on 23 man roster- period, end of discussion. Shane Doan? Ryan Smythe? McKenzie is totallly 'questioning' leaving Staal off the 23 man roster.

[SoCalcaniac]

I'm horribly disappointed. Staal made his case- and damn it, this sucks. :cry: I'm still watching the Cybercast, and Maguire & Miller asked Kevin Lowe about the 'kids' and Lowe said it really came down to Staal & Spezza but 'the older experienced guys won out'.

The taxi squad isn't good enough for Staal he should be on 23 man roster- period, end of discussion. Shane Doan? Ryan Smythe? McKenzie is totallly 'questioning' leaving Staal off the 23 man roster.

[SoCalcaniac]

I'm horribly disappointed. Staal made his case- and damn it, this sucks. :cry: I'm still watching the Cybercast, and Maguire & Miller asked Kevin Lowe about the 'kids' and Lowe said it really came down to Staal & Spezza but 'the older experienced guys won out'.

The taxi squad isn't good enough for Staal he should be on 23 man roster- period, end of discussion. Shane Doan? Ryan Smythe? McKenzie is totallly 'questioning' leaving Staal off the 23 man roster.

[SamIam]

Rick Nash, who's been injured all year, made it over Staal & Spezza?!?

How does that work? :crazy:

Well, he's a wing for starters. :)

Draper isn't =/

[SamIam]

Rick Nash, who's been injured all year, made it over Staal & Spezza?!?

How does that work? :crazy:

Well, he's a wing for starters. :)

Draper isn't =/

[SamIam]

Rick Nash, who's been injured all year, made it over Staal & Spezza?!?

How does that work? :crazy:

Well, he's a wing for starters. :)

Draper isn't =/

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Draper isn't =/

Yeah, with his 7 points and a -6. :roll:

I know, that's not the role they wanted him for, I'm sure. His PK was likely the draw.

*tongue firmly in cheek* I gotta decide which center I want to get injured, now.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Draper isn't =/

Yeah, with his 7 points and a -6. :roll:

I know, that's not the role they wanted him for, I'm sure. His PK was likely the draw.

*tongue firmly in cheek* I gotta decide which center I want to get injured, now.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Draper isn't =/

Yeah, with his 7 points and a -6. :roll:

I know, that's not the role they wanted him for, I'm sure. His PK was likely the draw.

*tongue firmly in cheek* I gotta decide which center I want to get injured, now.

[agentpreppie]

On the drive home I was listening to XM's NHL Home Ice. They had a guy from the Hockey News on and practically the whole conversation was about how they could possibly have left Staal off the main squad. They were glad he was on the taxi squad but they just could not understand him not on the real squad. The only other thing they talked about was the exclusion of Crosby. Apparantely he's been mouthing off too much for a rookie and this was payback.

[agentpreppie]

On the drive home I was listening to XM's NHL Home Ice. They had a guy from the Hockey News on and practically the whole conversation was about how they could possibly have left Staal off the main squad. They were glad he was on the taxi squad but they just could not understand him not on the real squad. The only other thing they talked about was the exclusion of Crosby. Apparantely he's been mouthing off too much for a rookie and this was payback.

[agentpreppie]

On the drive home I was listening to XM's NHL Home Ice. They had a guy from the Hockey News on and practically the whole conversation was about how they could possibly have left Staal off the main squad. They were glad he was on the taxi squad but they just could not understand him not on the real squad. The only other thing they talked about was the exclusion of Crosby. Apparantely he's been mouthing off too much for a rookie and this was payback.

[tommy]

Alternate is better than nothing, but that is still ridiculous.

The thing that cheeses me off the most is that they'll probably win gold and say that they didn't need Staal anyway. :roll:

I'm not satisfied. I'm even upset that Spezza didn't make the actual team.

[tommy]

Alternate is better than nothing, but that is still ridiculous.

The thing that cheeses me off the most is that they'll probably win gold and say that they didn't need Staal anyway. :roll:

I'm not satisfied. I'm even upset that Spezza didn't make the actual team.

[tommy]

Alternate is better than nothing, but that is still ridiculous.

The thing that cheeses me off the most is that they'll probably win gold and say that they didn't need Staal anyway. :roll:

I'm not satisfied. I'm even upset that Spezza didn't make the actual team.

[MIKELIUT]

so what's the problem? Because of obvious internal politics within Canada Hockey dictating who gets to go to the Olympics, the strongest Canadian offensive player (Staal) gets left off. So what if Canada gets less goals, the in clique gets to reward itself. They are just shooting themselves in the foot.

Go Team USA. Go Colesy.

[MIKELIUT]

so what's the problem? Because of obvious internal politics within Canada Hockey dictating who gets to go to the Olympics, the strongest Canadian offensive player (Staal) gets left off. So what if Canada gets less goals, the in clique gets to reward itself. They are just shooting themselves in the foot.

Go Team USA. Go Colesy.

[MIKELIUT]

so what's the problem? Because of obvious internal politics within Canada Hockey dictating who gets to go to the Olympics, the strongest Canadian offensive player (Staal) gets left off. So what if Canada gets less goals, the in clique gets to reward itself. They are just shooting themselves in the foot.

Go Team USA. Go Colesy.

[MeanGene]

Hope Canada and the USA play for the gold and Cole gets the GWG.

[MeanGene]

Hope Canada and the USA play for the gold and Cole gets the GWG.

[MeanGene]

Hope Canada and the USA play for the gold and Cole gets the GWG.

[nccanes]

I think the team is a little Lightning heavy, imo.

I think it's funny that people discount Stillman's performance because he was playing with such great players in Tampa last year - ALL of whom are looking up at Staal in the points/goals standings.

And really, wonder whose corn flakes Marc Savard pissed in to not even be talked about during this process.

Then again - the US brought some old stalwarts along to Turin as well.

[nccanes]

I think the team is a little Lightning heavy, imo.

I think it's funny that people discount Stillman's performance because he was playing with such great players in Tampa last year - ALL of whom are looking up at Staal in the points/goals standings.

And really, wonder whose corn flakes Marc Savard pissed in to not even be talked about during this process.

Then again - the US brought some old stalwarts along to Turin as well.

[nccanes]

I think the team is a little Lightning heavy, imo.

I think it's funny that people discount Stillman's performance because he was playing with such great players in Tampa last year - ALL of whom are looking up at Staal in the points/goals standings.

And really, wonder whose corn flakes Marc Savard pissed in to not even be talked about during this process.

Then again - the US brought some old stalwarts along to Turin as well.

[puck_it]

I'm not satisfied. I'm even upset that Spezza didn't make the actual team.

me too. though not seeing spezza over staal, and not seeing crosby over both of them makes it a little more palatable.

[puck_it]

I'm not satisfied. I'm even upset that Spezza didn't make the actual team.

me too. though not seeing spezza over staal, and not seeing crosby over both of them makes it a little more palatable.

[puck_it]

I'm not satisfied. I'm even upset that Spezza didn't make the actual team.

me too. though not seeing spezza over staal, and not seeing crosby over both of them makes it a little more palatable.

[stef]

It looks like Team Canada's roster was pretty much set before the season started. There were only 3 spots to be had and those were all on the Taxi Squad. Staal could have scored 50 goals this season and it still would not have mattered. They went with experience and the guys who have won it all already. As for Staal, he will get his chance next time around and there is no doubt that he will be a big part of Team Canada.

[stef]

It looks like Team Canada's roster was pretty much set before the season started. There were only 3 spots to be had and those were all on the Taxi Squad. Staal could have scored 50 goals this season and it still would not have mattered. They went with experience and the guys who have won it all already. As for Staal, he will get his chance next time around and there is no doubt that he will be a big part of Team Canada.

[stef]

It looks like Team Canada's roster was pretty much set before the season started. There were only 3 spots to be had and those were all on the Taxi Squad. Staal could have scored 50 goals this season and it still would not have mattered. They went with experience and the guys who have won it all already. As for Staal, he will get his chance next time around and there is no doubt that he will be a big part of Team Canada.

[Turbulence]

Canada will win, regardless of whether or not Staal or Spezza are on the team...but I still can't help but think that both have earned a spot on the team.
Staal did absolutely everything he could have done this year to prove he deserved a spot, and I guess the numbers just don't work out...but there's no question that he'd help their team. Guess we'll have to wait till Vancouver in '10 for Staal and Spezza to make their impact.

Yeah...go USA. There's one less reason to pull for Canada, in my book.

[Turbulence]

Canada will win, regardless of whether or not Staal or Spezza are on the team...but I still can't help but think that both have earned a spot on the team.
Staal did absolutely everything he could have done this year to prove he deserved a spot, and I guess the numbers just don't work out...but there's no question that he'd help their team. Guess we'll have to wait till Vancouver in '10 for Staal and Spezza to make their impact.

Yeah...go USA. There's one less reason to pull for Canada, in my book.

[Turbulence]

Canada will win, regardless of whether or not Staal or Spezza are on the team...but I still can't help but think that both have earned a spot on the team.
Staal did absolutely everything he could have done this year to prove he deserved a spot, and I guess the numbers just don't work out...but there's no question that he'd help their team. Guess we'll have to wait till Vancouver in '10 for Staal and Spezza to make their impact.

Yeah...go USA. There's one less reason to pull for Canada, in my book.

[puckin_A]

I'm horribly disappointed. Staal made his case- and damn it, this sucks. :cry: I'm still watching the Cybercast, and Maguire & Miller asked Kevin Lowe about the 'kids' and Lowe said it really came down to Staal & Spezza but 'the older experienced guys won out'.

The taxi squad isn't good enough for Staal he should be on 23 man roster- period, end of discussion. Shane Doan? Ryan Smythe? McKenzie is totallly 'questioning' leaving Staal off the 23 man roster.

I can see why Ryan Smyth made it. He's like the heart and sole of Canadian hockey. Shane is one of Gretzky's boys.

now I won't feel guilty rooting against Staalsy unless he ends up playing. Wonder who would go first, Spezza or Staal?

[puckin_A]

I'm horribly disappointed. Staal made his case- and damn it, this sucks. :cry: I'm still watching the Cybercast, and Maguire & Miller asked Kevin Lowe about the 'kids' and Lowe said it really came down to Staal & Spezza but 'the older experienced guys won out'.

The taxi squad isn't good enough for Staal he should be on 23 man roster- period, end of discussion. Shane Doan? Ryan Smythe? McKenzie is totallly 'questioning' leaving Staal off the 23 man roster.

I can see why Ryan Smyth made it. He's like the heart and sole of Canadian hockey. Shane is one of Gretzky's boys.

now I won't feel guilty rooting against Staalsy unless he ends up playing. Wonder who would go first, Spezza or Staal?

[puckin_A]

I'm horribly disappointed. Staal made his case- and damn it, this sucks. :cry: I'm still watching the Cybercast, and Maguire & Miller asked Kevin Lowe about the 'kids' and Lowe said it really came down to Staal & Spezza but 'the older experienced guys won out'.

The taxi squad isn't good enough for Staal he should be on 23 man roster- period, end of discussion. Shane Doan? Ryan Smythe? McKenzie is totallly 'questioning' leaving Staal off the 23 man roster.

I can see why Ryan Smyth made it. He's like the heart and sole of Canadian hockey. Shane is one of Gretzky's boys.

now I won't feel guilty rooting against Staalsy unless he ends up playing. Wonder who would go first, Spezza or Staal?

[Esbee]

IMHO, looks like while the USA had the guts to make tough decisions based on current performance, Canada chose to make their tough decisions based upon past performance.

Truth is, while Eric doesn't have international experience, he happens to be the top goal scorer in the best league in the world...and in four years, he still won't have Olympic experience. Maybe they'll pull their heads out of their girdles for the World Championships.

Overall, short-sighted move. Crosby didn't deserve a slot - that was easy. Staal had earned one...that's just a shame.

[Esbee]

IMHO, looks like while the USA had the guts to make tough decisions based on current performance, Canada chose to make their tough decisions based upon past performance.

Truth is, while Eric doesn't have international experience, he happens to be the top goal scorer in the best league in the world...and in four years, he still won't have Olympic experience. Maybe they'll pull their heads out of their girdles for the World Championships.

Overall, short-sighted move. Crosby didn't deserve a slot - that was easy. Staal had earned one...that's just a shame.

[Esbee]

IMHO, looks like while the USA had the guts to make tough decisions based on current performance, Canada chose to make their tough decisions based upon past performance.

Truth is, while Eric doesn't have international experience, he happens to be the top goal scorer in the best league in the world...and in four years, he still won't have Olympic experience. Maybe they'll pull their heads out of their girdles for the World Championships.

Overall, short-sighted move. Crosby didn't deserve a slot - that was easy. Staal had earned one...that's just a shame.

[SoCalcaniac]

I think the team is a little Lightning heavy, imo.

Ya think? :roll..... and they're not all that- I'll give it to Richards who is consistent- St. Louis hasn't shown much, and Vinny, well he was benched last night while our #12 was out there showing why he deserved to be named to this team.

I can see why Ryan Smyth made it. He's like the heart and sole of Canadian hockey. Shane is one of Gretzky's boys.

That's all well and good Debi- and I know Ryan Smyth is Captain Canada and blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah- However, it still doesn't have to sit well with me- Shane's one of Gretzky's boys, and apparently Hockey Canada is going to go down swinging in justifying Bertuzzi's inclusion, so there you go..... This irks me just as much as seeing Chelios named to the US Olympic team. But our guy was directly affected.

4 and a half hours later - I 'm obviously still steamed, and no, I'm not gonna get over it.... :mad: at least not just yet.

Remember that article in the N&O early on when Staal was tearing it up- and he had just been named to the 81 player list? Our Captain in all of his wisdom was quoted in the papers with something that rang loudly in my head today as I was watching the pagentry of this announcement-- he said he hoped Staal would get a shot at the Olympics but he wasn't sure if he'd get a shot cause he wasn't in with the "FOW's or FOM's". Ok, I'm getting sour grapey here so I'll shut up, But our Captain had a point and I should've listened.

Of course, my bitter disappointment aside, my allegience is of course to the United States of America, now and always; HOWEVER, I expected that the braintrust that is Hockey Canada to want the best young player out there- If I can be so bold to brag about him. ;) and it really does seem like the team was picked all along and the Staal/Spezza/McCabe 'alternate' announcement as they termed it, was just a dog and pony show.

[SoCalcaniac]

I think the team is a little Lightning heavy, imo.

Ya think? :roll..... and they're not all that- I'll give it to Richards who is consistent- St. Louis hasn't shown much, and Vinny, well he was benched last night while our #12 was out there showing why he deserved to be named to this team.

I can see why Ryan Smyth made it. He's like the heart and sole of Canadian hockey. Shane is one of Gretzky's boys.

That's all well and good Debi- and I know Ryan Smyth is Captain Canada and blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah- However, it still doesn't have to sit well with me- Shane's one of Gretzky's boys, and apparently Hockey Canada is going to go down swinging in justifying Bertuzzi's inclusion, so there you go..... This irks me just as much as seeing Chelios named to the US Olympic team. But our guy was directly affected.

4 and a half hours later - I 'm obviously still steamed, and no, I'm not gonna get over it.... :mad: at least not just yet.

Remember that article in the N&O early on when Staal was tearing it up- and he had just been named to the 81 player list? Our Captain in all of his wisdom was quoted in the papers with something that rang loudly in my head today as I was watching the pagentry of this announcement-- he said he hoped Staal would get a shot at the Olympics but he wasn't sure if he'd get a shot cause he wasn't in with the "FOW's or FOM's". Ok, I'm getting sour grapey here so I'll shut up, But our Captain had a point and I should've listened.

Of course, my bitter disappointment aside, my allegience is of course to the United States of America, now and always; HOWEVER, I expected that the braintrust that is Hockey Canada to want the best young player out there- If I can be so bold to brag about him. ;) and it really does seem like the team was picked all along and the Staal/Spezza/McCabe 'alternate' announcement as they termed it, was just a dog and pony show.

[SoCalcaniac]

I think the team is a little Lightning heavy, imo.

Ya think? :roll..... and they're not all that- I'll give it to Richards who is consistent- St. Louis hasn't shown much, and Vinny, well he was benched last night while our #12 was out there showing why he deserved to be named to this team.

I can see why Ryan Smyth made it. He's like the heart and sole of Canadian hockey. Shane is one of Gretzky's boys.

That's all well and good Debi- and I know Ryan Smyth is Captain Canada and blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah- However, it still doesn't have to sit well with me- Shane's one of Gretzky's boys, and apparently Hockey Canada is going to go down swinging in justifying Bertuzzi's inclusion, so there you go..... This irks me just as much as seeing Chelios named to the US Olympic team. But our guy was directly affected.

4 and a half hours later - I 'm obviously still steamed, and no, I'm not gonna get over it.... :mad: at least not just yet.

Remember that article in the N&O early on when Staal was tearing it up- and he had just been named to the 81 player list? Our Captain in all of his wisdom was quoted in the papers with something that rang loudly in my head today as I was watching the pagentry of this announcement-- he said he hoped Staal would get a shot at the Olympics but he wasn't sure if he'd get a shot cause he wasn't in with the "FOW's or FOM's". Ok, I'm getting sour grapey here so I'll shut up, But our Captain had a point and I should've listened.

Of course, my bitter disappointment aside, my allegience is of course to the United States of America, now and always; HOWEVER, I expected that the braintrust that is Hockey Canada to want the best young player out there- If I can be so bold to brag about him. ;) and it really does seem like the team was picked all along and the Staal/Spezza/McCabe 'alternate' announcement as they termed it, was just a dog and pony show.

[Shell]

I'm very disappointed as well. He definitely deserves it. Thankfully, he is the good soul that he is and being polite and not whiny about it.

Mixed emotions for young gun Staal
Canadian Press
12/21/2005 7:40:56 PM

Wayne Gretzky broke the news to Eric Staal.

The 21-year-old Carolina Hurricanes star is leading the NHL in goal-scoring, but he wasn't one of the 23 players named to Team Canada's entry at the upcoming Olympics on Wednesday.

Gretzky, the team's executive director, called Staal ahead of the announcement to tell him that he'd be part of the three-man taxi squad that will only see action if a player is injured.

''You do have a little bit of mixed emotions,'' Staal said from Raleigh, N.C. ''Obviously I'm thrilled to be part of the process. I have a foot in the door. You never want someone to get injured, but if something like that did happen, I'll get an opportunity.''

Staal, from Thunder Bay, Ont., is having a breakout season.

He was tied for fourth in league scoring heading into Wednesday night's games with 24 goals and 47 points.

Gretzky told him that he was overlooked this time because he and the management team wanted to go with an experienced team. Each of the 13 forwards named to the team has previously played for Canada at the Olympics, World Cup of Hockey or world championship.

''Sure, I wanted to be part of the main squad, but at the same time there's so many great players in Canada,'' Staal said. ''To get named to the taxi squad is still a great feeling.''

Staal will be joined on the taxi squad by Ottawa Senators forward Jason Spezza and Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Bryan McCabe.

That he's even made it that far has been a pleasant surprise for the centre, who was playing for the OHL's Peterborough Petes just three seasons ago.

''Coming into the start of the year I really didn't have this on the radar,'' Staal said. ''I wanted to come in and compete. But once the year started, and once I started to continue to play well, it became something in the back of my mind that I strived for.''

If any of the forwards does happen to get injured, Staal will likely get the first call.

He hasn't gone more than three games all season without scoring. One of his finest performances came Tuesday night when he scored two goals and an assist in a victory over Tampa Bay, prompting Hurricanes coach Peter Laviolette to lobby Hockey Canada on behalf of his best player.

''He's trying to yell it as loud as he can,'' Laviolette said. ''He's standing on top of the mountain, screaming. I don't know if anybody will hear, but you've got to love the way he took charge of the game.''

Team Canada captain Joe Sakic said Wednesday that the taxi squad will play an important role with the team.

Having players like Staal, Spezza and McCabe waiting to step in if needed will bring the main squad some comfort.

''Those guys, they're having great years,'' Sakic said. ''The years that they're having are just incredible.''

Staal says his focus will remain on playing well heading into the Olympics and preparing to play.

Despite his disappointment at not making the main team, he's still looking forward to the Turin experience.

''I think you've got to take everything in, enjoy the moment, the experience,'' he said. ''If you do get that opportunity to play, you have to play well and strive for it.

''It's not a long tournament and you have to be ready at all times.''

[Shell]

I'm very disappointed as well. He definitely deserves it. Thankfully, he is the good soul that he is and being polite and not whiny about it.

Mixed emotions for young gun Staal
Canadian Press
12/21/2005 7:40:56 PM

Wayne Gretzky broke the news to Eric Staal.

The 21-year-old Carolina Hurricanes star is leading the NHL in goal-scoring, but he wasn't one of the 23 players named to Team Canada's entry at the upcoming Olympics on Wednesday.

Gretzky, the team's executive director, called Staal ahead of the announcement to tell him that he'd be part of the three-man taxi squad that will only see action if a player is injured.

''You do have a little bit of mixed emotions,'' Staal said from Raleigh, N.C. ''Obviously I'm thrilled to be part of the process. I have a foot in the door. You never want someone to get injured, but if something like that did happen, I'll get an opportunity.''

Staal, from Thunder Bay, Ont., is having a breakout season.

He was tied for fourth in league scoring heading into Wednesday night's games with 24 goals and 47 points.

Gretzky told him that he was overlooked this time because he and the management team wanted to go with an experienced team. Each of the 13 forwards named to the team has previously played for Canada at the Olympics, World Cup of Hockey or world championship.

''Sure, I wanted to be part of the main squad, but at the same time there's so many great players in Canada,'' Staal said. ''To get named to the taxi squad is still a great feeling.''

Staal will be joined on the taxi squad by Ottawa Senators forward Jason Spezza and Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Bryan McCabe.

That he's even made it that far has been a pleasant surprise for the centre, who was playing for the OHL's Peterborough Petes just three seasons ago.

''Coming into the start of the year I really didn't have this on the radar,'' Staal said. ''I wanted to come in and compete. But once the year started, and once I started to continue to play well, it became something in the back of my mind that I strived for.''

If any of the forwards does happen to get injured, Staal will likely get the first call.

He hasn't gone more than three games all season without scoring. One of his finest performances came Tuesday night when he scored two goals and an assist in a victory over Tampa Bay, prompting Hurricanes coach Peter Laviolette to lobby Hockey Canada on behalf of his best player.

''He's trying to yell it as loud as he can,'' Laviolette said. ''He's standing on top of the mountain, screaming. I don't know if anybody will hear, but you've got to love the way he took charge of the game.''

Team Canada captain Joe Sakic said Wednesday that the taxi squad will play an important role with the team.

Having players like Staal, Spezza and McCabe waiting to step in if needed will bring the main squad some comfort.

''Those guys, they're having great years,'' Sakic said. ''The years that they're having are just incredible.''

Staal says his focus will remain on playing well heading into the Olympics and preparing to play.

Despite his disappointment at not making the main team, he's still looking forward to the Turin experience.

''I think you've got to take everything in, enjoy the moment, the experience,'' he said. ''If you do get that opportunity to play, you have to play well and strive for it.

''It's not a long tournament and you have to be ready at all times.''

[Shell]

I'm very disappointed as well. He definitely deserves it. Thankfully, he is the good soul that he is and being polite and not whiny about it.

Mixed emotions for young gun Staal
Canadian Press
12/21/2005 7:40:56 PM

Wayne Gretzky broke the news to Eric Staal.

The 21-year-old Carolina Hurricanes star is leading the NHL in goal-scoring, but he wasn't one of the 23 players named to Team Canada's entry at the upcoming Olympics on Wednesday.

Gretzky, the team's executive director, called Staal ahead of the announcement to tell him that he'd be part of the three-man taxi squad that will only see action if a player is injured.

''You do have a little bit of mixed emotions,'' Staal said from Raleigh, N.C. ''Obviously I'm thrilled to be part of the process. I have a foot in the door. You never want someone to get injured, but if something like that did happen, I'll get an opportunity.''

Staal, from Thunder Bay, Ont., is having a breakout season.

He was tied for fourth in league scoring heading into Wednesday night's games with 24 goals and 47 points.

Gretzky told him that he was overlooked this time because he and the management team wanted to go with an experienced team. Each of the 13 forwards named to the team has previously played for Canada at the Olympics, World Cup of Hockey or world championship.

''Sure, I wanted to be part of the main squad, but at the same time there's so many great players in Canada,'' Staal said. ''To get named to the taxi squad is still a great feeling.''

Staal will be joined on the taxi squad by Ottawa Senators forward Jason Spezza and Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Bryan McCabe.

That he's even made it that far has been a pleasant surprise for the centre, who was playing for the OHL's Peterborough Petes just three seasons ago.

''Coming into the start of the year I really didn't have this on the radar,'' Staal said. ''I wanted to come in and compete. But once the year started, and once I started to continue to play well, it became something in the back of my mind that I strived for.''

If any of the forwards does happen to get injured, Staal will likely get the first call.

He hasn't gone more than three games all season without scoring. One of his finest performances came Tuesday night when he scored two goals and an assist in a victory over Tampa Bay, prompting Hurricanes coach Peter Laviolette to lobby Hockey Canada on behalf of his best player.

''He's trying to yell it as loud as he can,'' Laviolette said. ''He's standing on top of the mountain, screaming. I don't know if anybody will hear, but you've got to love the way he took charge of the game.''

Team Canada captain Joe Sakic said Wednesday that the taxi squad will play an important role with the team.

Having players like Staal, Spezza and McCabe waiting to step in if needed will bring the main squad some comfort.

''Those guys, they're having great years,'' Sakic said. ''The years that they're having are just incredible.''

Staal says his focus will remain on playing well heading into the Olympics and preparing to play.

Despite his disappointment at not making the main team, he's still looking forward to the Turin experience.

''I think you've got to take everything in, enjoy the moment, the experience,'' he said. ''If you do get that opportunity to play, you have to play well and strive for it.

''It's not a long tournament and you have to be ready at all times.''

[Alicia]

He really is a great guy, despite being ROBBED!

[Alicia]

He really is a great guy, despite being ROBBED!

[Alicia]

He really is a great guy, despite being ROBBED!

[talkingcanes]

I'm sure Staal is disappointed and I think he deserved to make the team, but I'm not totally sorry he won't be playing in the Olympics. Selfish I know, but running the risk of injury prior to the last 2 months of the season makes me just as happy that he's not playing.

The fact that I want the US to win the gold has nothing to do with it ;) I know it is a huge honor and I am thrilled for Cole, but it wouldn't kill me if he hadn't made it either. I want the Canes intact and healthy heading down the stretch toward the playoffs.

[talkingcanes]

I'm sure Staal is disappointed and I think he deserved to make the team, but I'm not totally sorry he won't be playing in the Olympics. Selfish I know, but running the risk of injury prior to the last 2 months of the season makes me just as happy that he's not playing.

The fact that I want the US to win the gold has nothing to do with it ;) I know it is a huge honor and I am thrilled for Cole, but it wouldn't kill me if he hadn't made it either. I want the Canes intact and healthy heading down the stretch toward the playoffs.

[talkingcanes]

I'm sure Staal is disappointed and I think he deserved to make the team, but I'm not totally sorry he won't be playing in the Olympics. Selfish I know, but running the risk of injury prior to the last 2 months of the season makes me just as happy that he's not playing.

The fact that I want the US to win the gold has nothing to do with it ;) I know it is a huge honor and I am thrilled for Cole, but it wouldn't kill me if he hadn't made it either. I want the Canes intact and healthy heading down the stretch toward the playoffs.

[goalie33]

As disappointed as I am for Staal, I'm excited for us as Canes fans.

I will be very surprised if he doesn't make a statement with his play over the next few weeks (as if he hasn't already). Five goals for Staal on Friday, mark my words.

[goalie33]

As disappointed as I am for Staal, I'm excited for us as Canes fans.

I will be very surprised if he doesn't make a statement with his play over the next few weeks (as if he hasn't already). Five goals for Staal on Friday, mark my words.

[goalie33]

As disappointed as I am for Staal, I'm excited for us as Canes fans.

I will be very surprised if he doesn't make a statement with his play over the next few weeks (as if he hasn't already). Five goals for Staal on Friday, mark my words.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Five goals for Staal on Friday, mark my words.

Can he wait until Monday on that one? I think we'll need them more then. :beatup:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Five goals for Staal on Friday, mark my words.

Can he wait until Monday on that one? I think we'll need them more then. :beatup:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Five goals for Staal on Friday, mark my words.

Can he wait until Monday on that one? I think we'll need them more then. :beatup:

[puck_it]

Five goals for Staal on Friday, mark my words.

Can he wait until Monday on that one? I think we'll need them more then. :beatup:

why not both games!

[puck_it]

Five goals for Staal on Friday, mark my words.

Can he wait until Monday on that one? I think we'll need them more then. :beatup:

why not both games!

[puck_it]

Five goals for Staal on Friday, mark my words.

Can he wait until Monday on that one? I think we'll need them more then. :beatup:

why not both games!

[cmw00]

Yeah I can't figure out why Staal didn't make the team either, I mean come on, he's had all of ALMOST half a really really good season in his NHL experience, and absolutely no international experience at this level. And another thing, how could you take Sakic or Vinnie, or Thornton, or even Draper, or Richards over Staal?

I'm as baffled as you guys!

[cmw00]

Yeah I can't figure out why Staal didn't make the team either, I mean come on, he's had all of ALMOST half a really really good season in his NHL experience, and absolutely no international experience at this level. And another thing, how could you take Sakic or Vinnie, or Thornton, or even Draper, or Richards over Staal?

I'm as baffled as you guys!

[cmw00]

Yeah I can't figure out why Staal didn't make the team either, I mean come on, he's had all of ALMOST half a really really good season in his NHL experience, and absolutely no international experience at this level. And another thing, how could you take Sakic or Vinnie, or Thornton, or even Draper, or Richards over Staal?

I'm as baffled as you guys!

[corylav]

WTG Frank!

http://www.nhl.com/features/czech_oly_roster.html

Also ... Malik's a first-time Olympian, too.

[corylav]

WTG Frank!

http://www.nhl.com/features/czech_oly_roster.html

Also ... Malik's a first-time Olympian, too.

[corylav]

WTG Frank!

http://www.nhl.com/features/czech_oly_roster.html

Also ... Malik's a first-time Olympian, too.

[Mona]

Maybe I am biased, but if Eric Staal didn't deserve it, nobody does. He is amazing.. :sad:

[Mona]

Maybe I am biased, but if Eric Staal didn't deserve it, nobody does. He is amazing.. :sad:

[Mona]

Maybe I am biased, but if Eric Staal didn't deserve it, nobody does. He is amazing.. :sad:

[corylav]

Gerber officially on the Swiss team, one of only three NHLers (Aebischer and Streit):

http://www.nhl.com/features/switzerland_oly_roster.html[/url]

[corylav]

Gerber officially on the Swiss team, one of only three NHLers (Aebischer and Streit):

http://www.nhl.com/features/switzerland_oly_roster.html[/url]

[corylav]

Gerber officially on the Swiss team, one of only three NHLers (Aebischer and Streit):

http://www.nhl.com/features/switzerland_oly_roster.html[/url]

[Esbee]

WTG Frank!

http://www.nhl.com/features/czech_oly_roster.html

Also ... Malik's a first-time Olympian, too.

Looks like the Czech Rangers ;)

[Esbee]

WTG Frank!

http://www.nhl.com/features/czech_oly_roster.html

Also ... Malik's a first-time Olympian, too.

Looks like the Czech Rangers ;)

[Esbee]

WTG Frank!

http://www.nhl.com/features/czech_oly_roster.html

Also ... Malik's a first-time Olympian, too.

Looks like the Czech Rangers ;)

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Yeah I can't figure out why Staal didn't make the team either, I mean come on, he's had all of ALMOST half a really really good season in his NHL experience, and absolutely no international experience at this level. And another thing, how could you take Sakic or Vinnie, or Thornton, or even Draper, or Richards over Staal?

I'm as baffled as you guys!

Dude, if you're not going to be a total homer how are we even going to be able to talk to you? ;)


I will point out that the 1980 Miracle team had less NHL and international experience on it's entire roster than Staal has right now. Experience clearly isn't everything. With Sidney Crosby being seriously discussed, I don't think it was ridiculous to think Staal had a chance.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Yeah I can't figure out why Staal didn't make the team either, I mean come on, he's had all of ALMOST half a really really good season in his NHL experience, and absolutely no international experience at this level. And another thing, how could you take Sakic or Vinnie, or Thornton, or even Draper, or Richards over Staal?

I'm as baffled as you guys!

Dude, if you're not going to be a total homer how are we even going to be able to talk to you? ;)


I will point out that the 1980 Miracle team had less NHL and international experience on it's entire roster than Staal has right now. Experience clearly isn't everything. With Sidney Crosby being seriously discussed, I don't think it was ridiculous to think Staal had a chance.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Yeah I can't figure out why Staal didn't make the team either, I mean come on, he's had all of ALMOST half a really really good season in his NHL experience, and absolutely no international experience at this level. And another thing, how could you take Sakic or Vinnie, or Thornton, or even Draper, or Richards over Staal?

I'm as baffled as you guys!

Dude, if you're not going to be a total homer how are we even going to be able to talk to you? ;)


I will point out that the 1980 Miracle team had less NHL and international experience on it's entire roster than Staal has right now. Experience clearly isn't everything. With Sidney Crosby being seriously discussed, I don't think it was ridiculous to think Staal had a chance.

[tommy]

If you always go with experience, then eventually you're not gonna be able to field a team because you'll have a bunch of 46 year olds with 6 Olympics under their belt and nobody else will have had a shot. Eventually you've gotta have some new blood, and Spezza and Staal are the top two in that department, I think.

And SHC is right, you gotta be at least a little bit of a homer, man!

[tommy]

If you always go with experience, then eventually you're not gonna be able to field a team because you'll have a bunch of 46 year olds with 6 Olympics under their belt and nobody else will have had a shot. Eventually you've gotta have some new blood, and Spezza and Staal are the top two in that department, I think.

And SHC is right, you gotta be at least a little bit of a homer, man!

[tommy]

If you always go with experience, then eventually you're not gonna be able to field a team because you'll have a bunch of 46 year olds with 6 Olympics under their belt and nobody else will have had a shot. Eventually you've gotta have some new blood, and Spezza and Staal are the top two in that department, I think.

And SHC is right, you gotta be at least a little bit of a homer, man!

[StormShaman]

WTG Frank!

http://www.nhl.com/features/czech_oly_roster.html

Also ... Malik's a first-time Olympian, too.

Hoody hoo! Happy Yule to me!

:spin: :spin: :spin: :spin: :spin:

[StormShaman]

WTG Frank!

http://www.nhl.com/features/czech_oly_roster.html

Also ... Malik's a first-time Olympian, too.

Hoody hoo! Happy Yule to me!

:spin: :spin: :spin: :spin: :spin:

[StormShaman]

WTG Frank!

http://www.nhl.com/features/czech_oly_roster.html

Also ... Malik's a first-time Olympian, too.

Hoody hoo! Happy Yule to me!

:spin: :spin: :spin: :spin: :spin:

[corylav]

WTG JR

Taxi squad squabble?

Under current IIHF rules, the three members of Olympic teams' "taxi squads" are not permitted to skate with the main teams or stay with them in the Olympic village.

Sportsnet.ca -- As Hockeycentral reported on Wednesday night, Team Canada executive director, Wayne Gretzky, intends to fight to have the three alternate players on each country's Olympic roster given full practice privileges.

As it stands now according to IIHF policy Bryan McCabe, Jason Spezza and Eric Staal will not be given Olympic credentials and will not be allowed to stay with the team in the Olympic village.

Unless the rules are amended the three players, all stars on their NHL teams, won't be able to skate with the main group, which is a cause for great concern. "One of our best players could be sitting there without really skating for 12 days," Carolina general manager Jim Rutherford told Sportsnet. "I need someone to tell me how my player is going to be treated, is he on a 12-day vacation, or working as he would on a daily basis with the Hurricanes," Rutherford added.

Staal is the backbone of Carolina's offence and the Canes GM does not want his progress slowed by altering his routine.

A source experienced in negotiations with the IIHF said "never bet against Gretzky," which suggests Canada's Olympic leader will be successful in his attempt to have the current restrictions lifted.

[corylav]

WTG JR

Taxi squad squabble?

Under current IIHF rules, the three members of Olympic teams' "taxi squads" are not permitted to skate with the main teams or stay with them in the Olympic village.

Sportsnet.ca -- As Hockeycentral reported on Wednesday night, Team Canada executive director, Wayne Gretzky, intends to fight to have the three alternate players on each country's Olympic roster given full practice privileges.

As it stands now according to IIHF policy Bryan McCabe, Jason Spezza and Eric Staal will not be given Olympic credentials and will not be allowed to stay with the team in the Olympic village.

Unless the rules are amended the three players, all stars on their NHL teams, won't be able to skate with the main group, which is a cause for great concern. "One of our best players could be sitting there without really skating for 12 days," Carolina general manager Jim Rutherford told Sportsnet. "I need someone to tell me how my player is going to be treated, is he on a 12-day vacation, or working as he would on a daily basis with the Hurricanes," Rutherford added.

Staal is the backbone of Carolina's offence and the Canes GM does not want his progress slowed by altering his routine.

A source experienced in negotiations with the IIHF said "never bet against Gretzky," which suggests Canada's Olympic leader will be successful in his attempt to have the current restrictions lifted.

[corylav]

WTG JR

Taxi squad squabble?

Under current IIHF rules, the three members of Olympic teams' "taxi squads" are not permitted to skate with the main teams or stay with them in the Olympic village.

Sportsnet.ca -- As Hockeycentral reported on Wednesday night, Team Canada executive director, Wayne Gretzky, intends to fight to have the three alternate players on each country's Olympic roster given full practice privileges.

As it stands now according to IIHF policy Bryan McCabe, Jason Spezza and Eric Staal will not be given Olympic credentials and will not be allowed to stay with the team in the Olympic village.

Unless the rules are amended the three players, all stars on their NHL teams, won't be able to skate with the main group, which is a cause for great concern. "One of our best players could be sitting there without really skating for 12 days," Carolina general manager Jim Rutherford told Sportsnet. "I need someone to tell me how my player is going to be treated, is he on a 12-day vacation, or working as he would on a daily basis with the Hurricanes," Rutherford added.

Staal is the backbone of Carolina's offence and the Canes GM does not want his progress slowed by altering his routine.

A source experienced in negotiations with the IIHF said "never bet against Gretzky," which suggests Canada's Olympic leader will be successful in his attempt to have the current restrictions lifted.

[Esbee]

WTG JRTaxi squad squabble?

The funny part is that the "taxi rule" wasn't much of an issue before. It was basically seen as a call-up group in case of injury leading up to the games, not was a back-up "in the house." Kind of like an "honorable mention."

Given the depth of Canada's potential pool - far more than any other country - pretty sad that they're the one complaining. Maybe they shouldn't put players who have missed 1/2 the season and unproductive players (Nash, Bertuzzi) on the roster to begin with.

[Esbee]

WTG JRTaxi squad squabble?

The funny part is that the "taxi rule" wasn't much of an issue before. It was basically seen as a call-up group in case of injury leading up to the games, not was a back-up "in the house." Kind of like an "honorable mention."

Given the depth of Canada's potential pool - far more than any other country - pretty sad that they're the one complaining. Maybe they shouldn't put players who have missed 1/2 the season and unproductive players (Nash, Bertuzzi) on the roster to begin with.

[Esbee]

WTG JRTaxi squad squabble?

The funny part is that the "taxi rule" wasn't much of an issue before. It was basically seen as a call-up group in case of injury leading up to the games, not was a back-up "in the house." Kind of like an "honorable mention."

Given the depth of Canada's potential pool - far more than any other country - pretty sad that they're the one complaining. Maybe they shouldn't put players who have missed 1/2 the season and unproductive players (Nash, Bertuzzi) on the roster to begin with.

[cmw00]

Good thing we can't delete our own posts....

:laugh:

[cmw00]

Good thing we can't delete our own posts....

:laugh:

[cmw00]

Good thing we can't delete our own posts....

:laugh:

[cmw00]

If you always go with experience, then eventually you're not gonna be able to field a team because you'll have a bunch of 46 year olds with 6 Olympics under their belt and nobody else will have had a shot. Eventually you've gotta have some new blood, and Spezza and Staal are the top two in that department, I think.

And SHC is right, you gotta be at least a little bit of a homer, man!

Well I wished as much as anybody that Staal made the team, and I'm going against the grain and hoping for an injury to get him on the roster. I mean really, nothing serious, but if Sakic, or Thornton, or Draper goes down I wouldn't be upset very long. If its a certain bolt, it would be a win-win situation all around. Guess that sounds pretty bad doesn't it? Merry christmas Vinnie! :laugh:

And yes eventually people with no olympic experience has to play, but Staal is only in his 2nd NHL season, and by the next Olympics he'll have much more NHL experience (hopefully proving he's a true NHL elite and not a flash in the pan!), plus he'll probaly have more top level international experience form a world cup or world championship or two.


I will point out that the 1980 Miracle team had less NHL and international experience on it's entire roster than Staal has right now. Experience clearly isn't everything. With Sidney Crosby being seriously discussed, I don't think it was ridiculous to think Staal had a chance.

No experience isn't everything. But then again how many times had the Russians won before that '68 or '64? Once out of how many isn't that good :laugh: Another thing, Herb didn't neseccarily take the best players available either, he took the players that he knew were best for the system that he was going to play. Which I beleive Canada is doing somewhat with taking a guy like Draper.

Also I think Crosby was being seriously discussed more by fans and a few analysts and reporters.

Again I'd love for Staal to make the team as much as anybody, but I can't figure out why people are so baffled that he wasn't chosen.

[cmw00]

If you always go with experience, then eventually you're not gonna be able to field a team because you'll have a bunch of 46 year olds with 6 Olympics under their belt and nobody else will have had a shot. Eventually you've gotta have some new blood, and Spezza and Staal are the top two in that department, I think.

And SHC is right, you gotta be at least a little bit of a homer, man!

Well I wished as much as anybody that Staal made the team, and I'm going against the grain and hoping for an injury to get him on the roster. I mean really, nothing serious, but if Sakic, or Thornton, or Draper goes down I wouldn't be upset very long. If its a certain bolt, it would be a win-win situation all around. Guess that sounds pretty bad doesn't it? Merry christmas Vinnie! :laugh:

And yes eventually people with no olympic experience has to play, but Staal is only in his 2nd NHL season, and by the next Olympics he'll have much more NHL experience (hopefully proving he's a true NHL elite and not a flash in the pan!), plus he'll probaly have more top level international experience form a world cup or world championship or two.


I will point out that the 1980 Miracle team had less NHL and international experience on it's entire roster than Staal has right now. Experience clearly isn't everything. With Sidney Crosby being seriously discussed, I don't think it was ridiculous to think Staal had a chance.

No experience isn't everything. But then again how many times had the Russians won before that '68 or '64? Once out of how many isn't that good :laugh: Another thing, Herb didn't neseccarily take the best players available either, he took the players that he knew were best for the system that he was going to play. Which I beleive Canada is doing somewhat with taking a guy like Draper.

Also I think Crosby was being seriously discussed more by fans and a few analysts and reporters.

Again I'd love for Staal to make the team as much as anybody, but I can't figure out why people are so baffled that he wasn't chosen.

[cmw00]

If you always go with experience, then eventually you're not gonna be able to field a team because you'll have a bunch of 46 year olds with 6 Olympics under their belt and nobody else will have had a shot. Eventually you've gotta have some new blood, and Spezza and Staal are the top two in that department, I think.

And SHC is right, you gotta be at least a little bit of a homer, man!

Well I wished as much as anybody that Staal made the team, and I'm going against the grain and hoping for an injury to get him on the roster. I mean really, nothing serious, but if Sakic, or Thornton, or Draper goes down I wouldn't be upset very long. If its a certain bolt, it would be a win-win situation all around. Guess that sounds pretty bad doesn't it? Merry christmas Vinnie! :laugh:

And yes eventually people with no olympic experience has to play, but Staal is only in his 2nd NHL season, and by the next Olympics he'll have much more NHL experience (hopefully proving he's a true NHL elite and not a flash in the pan!), plus he'll probaly have more top level international experience form a world cup or world championship or two.


I will point out that the 1980 Miracle team had less NHL and international experience on it's entire roster than Staal has right now. Experience clearly isn't everything. With Sidney Crosby being seriously discussed, I don't think it was ridiculous to think Staal had a chance.

No experience isn't everything. But then again how many times had the Russians won before that '68 or '64? Once out of how many isn't that good :laugh: Another thing, Herb didn't neseccarily take the best players available either, he took the players that he knew were best for the system that he was going to play. Which I beleive Canada is doing somewhat with taking a guy like Draper.

Also I think Crosby was being seriously discussed more by fans and a few analysts and reporters.

Again I'd love for Staal to make the team as much as anybody, but I can't figure out why people are so baffled that he wasn't chosen.

[cmw00]

Well I've managed to screw this attempt at a post all up....

[cmw00]

Well I've managed to screw this attempt at a post all up....

[cmw00]

Well I've managed to screw this attempt at a post all up....

[Alicia]

Baffled? No. P*ssed is more like it. Compared to others on this roster, Staal has shown by his performance that he should've made the cut. What was accomplished in the past coupled w/what isn't being done now isn't exactly gonna win them the gold (or silver or bronze, for that matter)...wait, guess that isn't such a bad thing...go USA! :usa:

[Alicia]

Baffled? No. P*ssed is more like it. Compared to others on this roster, Staal has shown by his performance that he should've made the cut. What was accomplished in the past coupled w/what isn't being done now isn't exactly gonna win them the gold (or silver or bronze, for that matter)...wait, guess that isn't such a bad thing...go USA! :usa:

[Alicia]

Baffled? No. P*ssed is more like it. Compared to others on this roster, Staal has shown by his performance that he should've made the cut. What was accomplished in the past coupled w/what isn't being done now isn't exactly gonna win them the gold (or silver or bronze, for that matter)...wait, guess that isn't such a bad thing...go USA! :usa:

[nccanes]

Interesting comments by Rutherford, but maybe a little premature - I'm sure he'll get the things he needs to know.

I could of sworn I heard someone talking on XM about how there would be no official practices during the Oly break. I realize that doesn't mean that Staal won't be skating informally, but his comments make me wonder what's allowed and not. SURELY they'll get some total down time to escape to a tropical locale or something, but I guess that's different than 12 days of sitting in a hotel in Turino, taking in the Olympic events, and hitting the discos at night, lol.

[nccanes]

Interesting comments by Rutherford, but maybe a little premature - I'm sure he'll get the things he needs to know.

I could of sworn I heard someone talking on XM about how there would be no official practices during the Oly break. I realize that doesn't mean that Staal won't be skating informally, but his comments make me wonder what's allowed and not. SURELY they'll get some total down time to escape to a tropical locale or something, but I guess that's different than 12 days of sitting in a hotel in Turino, taking in the Olympic events, and hitting the discos at night, lol.

[nccanes]

Interesting comments by Rutherford, but maybe a little premature - I'm sure he'll get the things he needs to know.

I could of sworn I heard someone talking on XM about how there would be no official practices during the Oly break. I realize that doesn't mean that Staal won't be skating informally, but his comments make me wonder what's allowed and not. SURELY they'll get some total down time to escape to a tropical locale or something, but I guess that's different than 12 days of sitting in a hotel in Turino, taking in the Olympic events, and hitting the discos at night, lol.

[nccanes]

Again I'd love for Staal to make the team as much as anybody, but I can't figure out why people are so baffled that he wasn't chosen.

Put it this way, if he played for the Leafs - you can bet he'd be on the roster. Or better yet, if Crosby had Staal's stats, he'd be on the team - NO DOUBT.

So the fact he's tucked away in Carolina hurt him - at least imo.

[nccanes]

Again I'd love for Staal to make the team as much as anybody, but I can't figure out why people are so baffled that he wasn't chosen.

Put it this way, if he played for the Leafs - you can bet he'd be on the roster. Or better yet, if Crosby had Staal's stats, he'd be on the team - NO DOUBT.

So the fact he's tucked away in Carolina hurt him - at least imo.

[nccanes]

Again I'd love for Staal to make the team as much as anybody, but I can't figure out why people are so baffled that he wasn't chosen.

Put it this way, if he played for the Leafs - you can bet he'd be on the roster. Or better yet, if Crosby had Staal's stats, he'd be on the team - NO DOUBT.

So the fact he's tucked away in Carolina hurt him - at least imo.

[SoCalcaniac]

So the fact he's tucked away in Carolina hurt him - at least imo.

E- your opinion is fact based- they even have a name for it - it's called 'Staal Syndrome' seriously- James Duffie was on TSN last night- he made a comment about Nathan Horton emerging in Florida with his play of late-- BUT "he suffers from Staal-syndrome, playing in a place where nobody notices him" :ROLL (you can only imagine my reaction in my Wednesday night living room ;) ) back to the proverbial center of the hockey universe nonsense again......

Ok, don't get me started people- you know I'm sensitive to this right now :mad:

[SoCalcaniac]

So the fact he's tucked away in Carolina hurt him - at least imo.

E- your opinion is fact based- they even have a name for it - it's called 'Staal Syndrome' seriously- James Duffie was on TSN last night- he made a comment about Nathan Horton emerging in Florida with his play of late-- BUT "he suffers from Staal-syndrome, playing in a place where nobody notices him" :ROLL (you can only imagine my reaction in my Wednesday night living room ;) ) back to the proverbial center of the hockey universe nonsense again......

Ok, don't get me started people- you know I'm sensitive to this right now :mad:

[SoCalcaniac]

So the fact he's tucked away in Carolina hurt him - at least imo.

E- your opinion is fact based- they even have a name for it - it's called 'Staal Syndrome' seriously- James Duffie was on TSN last night- he made a comment about Nathan Horton emerging in Florida with his play of late-- BUT "he suffers from Staal-syndrome, playing in a place where nobody notices him" :ROLL (you can only imagine my reaction in my Wednesday night living room ;) ) back to the proverbial center of the hockey universe nonsense again......

Ok, don't get me started people- you know I'm sensitive to this right now :mad:

[puck_it]

So the fact he's tucked away in Carolina hurt him - at least imo.

E- your opinion is fact based- they even have a name for it - it's called 'Staal Syndrome' seriously- James Duffie was on TSN last night- he made a comment about Nathan Horton emerging in Florida with his play of late-- BUT "he suffers from Staal-syndrome, playing in a place where nobody notices him" :ROLL (you can only imagine my reaction in my Wednesday night living room ;) ) back to the proverbial center of the hockey universe nonsense again......

Ok, don't get me started people- you know I'm sensitive to this right now :mad:

while i know where you're coming from, its true.. every sport has it...

take football... Bengals, browns... its not that ohio doesnt deserve teams (theyve got the HOF for cryin out loud), but nobody pays attention to em. This years bengals will be forgotten.

baseball... Expos, Kansas City... yeha the expos moved, but when they were in montreal, who cared? Vladimir Guerrero got way less press than he deserved.

basketball... who pays attention that that sport?

we just so happen to be that team in hockey. while it cost Staal the olympics, i dont mind it in most cases (the staal case im pretty mad about). As long as our market recognizes us, im content with being the underdog.

[puck_it]

So the fact he's tucked away in Carolina hurt him - at least imo.

E- your opinion is fact based- they even have a name for it - it's called 'Staal Syndrome' seriously- James Duffie was on TSN last night- he made a comment about Nathan Horton emerging in Florida with his play of late-- BUT "he suffers from Staal-syndrome, playing in a place where nobody notices him" :ROLL (you can only imagine my reaction in my Wednesday night living room ;) ) back to the proverbial center of the hockey universe nonsense again......

Ok, don't get me started people- you know I'm sensitive to this right now :mad:

while i know where you're coming from, its true.. every sport has it...

take football... Bengals, browns... its not that ohio doesnt deserve teams (theyve got the HOF for cryin out loud), but nobody pays attention to em. This years bengals will be forgotten.

baseball... Expos, Kansas City... yeha the expos moved, but when they were in montreal, who cared? Vladimir Guerrero got way less press than he deserved.

basketball... who pays attention that that sport?

we just so happen to be that team in hockey. while it cost Staal the olympics, i dont mind it in most cases (the staal case im pretty mad about). As long as our market recognizes us, im content with being the underdog.

[puck_it]

So the fact he's tucked away in Carolina hurt him - at least imo.

E- your opinion is fact based- they even have a name for it - it's called 'Staal Syndrome' seriously- James Duffie was on TSN last night- he made a comment about Nathan Horton emerging in Florida with his play of late-- BUT "he suffers from Staal-syndrome, playing in a place where nobody notices him" :ROLL (you can only imagine my reaction in my Wednesday night living room ;) ) back to the proverbial center of the hockey universe nonsense again......

Ok, don't get me started people- you know I'm sensitive to this right now :mad:

while i know where you're coming from, its true.. every sport has it...

take football... Bengals, browns... its not that ohio doesnt deserve teams (theyve got the HOF for cryin out loud), but nobody pays attention to em. This years bengals will be forgotten.

baseball... Expos, Kansas City... yeha the expos moved, but when they were in montreal, who cared? Vladimir Guerrero got way less press than he deserved.

basketball... who pays attention that that sport?

we just so happen to be that team in hockey. while it cost Staal the olympics, i dont mind it in most cases (the staal case im pretty mad about). As long as our market recognizes us, im content with being the underdog.

[apolinar]

Prediction: There are so many old people on team canada that a groin pull gets staal into the lineup. You heard it here first (I know, not much effort needed to obtain that one from the stars). I'm not wishing a groin pull on anyone. But It will probably happen.

And I love some unmentioneds.... Shanny and Crosby. Mario, "I'm giving up my spot on team canada for Sid" BWAHAHAHAHA. Don't count those chickies before they hatch!

[apolinar]

Prediction: There are so many old people on team canada that a groin pull gets staal into the lineup. You heard it here first (I know, not much effort needed to obtain that one from the stars). I'm not wishing a groin pull on anyone. But It will probably happen.

And I love some unmentioneds.... Shanny and Crosby. Mario, "I'm giving up my spot on team canada for Sid" BWAHAHAHAHA. Don't count those chickies before they hatch!

[apolinar]

Prediction: There are so many old people on team canada that a groin pull gets staal into the lineup. You heard it here first (I know, not much effort needed to obtain that one from the stars). I'm not wishing a groin pull on anyone. But It will probably happen.

And I love some unmentioneds.... Shanny and Crosby. Mario, "I'm giving up my spot on team canada for Sid" BWAHAHAHAHA. Don't count those chickies before they hatch!

[puck_it]

Prediction: There are so many old people on team canada that a groin pull gets staal into the lineup. You heard it here first (I know, not much effort needed to obtain that one from the stars). I'm not wishing a groin pull on anyone. But It will probably happen.

And I love some unmentioneds.... Shanny and Crosby. Mario, "I'm giving up my spot on team canada for Sid" BWAHAHAHAHA. Don't count those chickies before they hatch!

i can see it now: "so, eric, you made the team due to ________'s groin pull. How are his groins doing? Is he getting them massaged to make them better?" *long awkward silence* "Well, there you go, another hurricanes olympian, back to you john."

[puck_it]

Prediction: There are so many old people on team canada that a groin pull gets staal into the lineup. You heard it here first (I know, not much effort needed to obtain that one from the stars). I'm not wishing a groin pull on anyone. But It will probably happen.

And I love some unmentioneds.... Shanny and Crosby. Mario, "I'm giving up my spot on team canada for Sid" BWAHAHAHAHA. Don't count those chickies before they hatch!

i can see it now: "so, eric, you made the team due to ________'s groin pull. How are his groins doing? Is he getting them massaged to make them better?" *long awkward silence* "Well, there you go, another hurricanes olympian, back to you john."

[puck_it]

Prediction: There are so many old people on team canada that a groin pull gets staal into the lineup. You heard it here first (I know, not much effort needed to obtain that one from the stars). I'm not wishing a groin pull on anyone. But It will probably happen.

And I love some unmentioneds.... Shanny and Crosby. Mario, "I'm giving up my spot on team canada for Sid" BWAHAHAHAHA. Don't count those chickies before they hatch!

i can see it now: "so, eric, you made the team due to ________'s groin pull. How are his groins doing? Is he getting them massaged to make them better?" *long awkward silence* "Well, there you go, another hurricanes olympian, back to you john."

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Teams will be able to replace up to three injured players with anyone on their preliminary rosters, submitted in October. Those additional players are expected to be able to practice with their teams in Italy but must be housed outside the Olympic Village unless they're added to the 23-man roster as an injury replacement.


OK, so, what was all the hub-bub about the creation of the "3-man taxi squad" last week? This isn't any different than in previous Olympics, is it? Were you not allowed to replace any players after specifying the roster in December in year's past?

In reading the releases of this "news" of the taxi-squad they made it seem like something new.

What it really boils down to is Eric didn't make the team at all. The "taxi-squad" is BS. Sure, he gets to go to Turin and he maybe gets to practice with them, but how is he that much different from the other 60 people on the preliminary roster?

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Teams will be able to replace up to three injured players with anyone on their preliminary rosters, submitted in October. Those additional players are expected to be able to practice with their teams in Italy but must be housed outside the Olympic Village unless they're added to the 23-man roster as an injury replacement.


OK, so, what was all the hub-bub about the creation of the "3-man taxi squad" last week? This isn't any different than in previous Olympics, is it? Were you not allowed to replace any players after specifying the roster in December in year's past?

In reading the releases of this "news" of the taxi-squad they made it seem like something new.

What it really boils down to is Eric didn't make the team at all. The "taxi-squad" is BS. Sure, he gets to go to Turin and he maybe gets to practice with them, but how is he that much different from the other 60 people on the preliminary roster?

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Teams will be able to replace up to three injured players with anyone on their preliminary rosters, submitted in October. Those additional players are expected to be able to practice with their teams in Italy but must be housed outside the Olympic Village unless they're added to the 23-man roster as an injury replacement.


OK, so, what was all the hub-bub about the creation of the "3-man taxi squad" last week? This isn't any different than in previous Olympics, is it? Were you not allowed to replace any players after specifying the roster in December in year's past?

In reading the releases of this "news" of the taxi-squad they made it seem like something new.

What it really boils down to is Eric didn't make the team at all. The "taxi-squad" is BS. Sure, he gets to go to Turin and he maybe gets to practice with them, but how is he that much different from the other 60 people on the preliminary roster?

[nccanes]

Of course you know this ;) - but it was a CYA for Hockey Canada to limit the Staal/Spezza/McCabe backlash.

Sounds like the other countries are just going to wait and see and replace if/when needed.

[nccanes]

Of course you know this ;) - but it was a CYA for Hockey Canada to limit the Staal/Spezza/McCabe backlash.

Sounds like the other countries are just going to wait and see and replace if/when needed.

[nccanes]

Of course you know this ;) - but it was a CYA for Hockey Canada to limit the Staal/Spezza/McCabe backlash.

Sounds like the other countries are just going to wait and see and replace if/when needed.

[puckin_A]

I have a great idea. Staal should pull a Hull. Come over to the dark side and play for TEAM USA! :D


I don't for a second believe Staal didn't get in because of where he plays.
I think its more of the team already have been picked and they were not ready to let anyone go.

Watching Satelite Hotstove the other night (on HNIC), John Davidson said there will most certainly be injuries and Staal will play. Now I know he is not Ms. Cleo but maybe its just how its always been???

One thing about Ryan Smyth. When Gretzky asked him to go play for Canada at ANY time, he would go. Unlike O'Neill, thus Jeff got snuffed the next time. Gretzky is into loyalty period. I am not sticking up for it. Its just the way it is.

[puckin_A]

I have a great idea. Staal should pull a Hull. Come over to the dark side and play for TEAM USA! :D


I don't for a second believe Staal didn't get in because of where he plays.
I think its more of the team already have been picked and they were not ready to let anyone go.

Watching Satelite Hotstove the other night (on HNIC), John Davidson said there will most certainly be injuries and Staal will play. Now I know he is not Ms. Cleo but maybe its just how its always been???

One thing about Ryan Smyth. When Gretzky asked him to go play for Canada at ANY time, he would go. Unlike O'Neill, thus Jeff got snuffed the next time. Gretzky is into loyalty period. I am not sticking up for it. Its just the way it is.

[puckin_A]

I have a great idea. Staal should pull a Hull. Come over to the dark side and play for TEAM USA! :D


I don't for a second believe Staal didn't get in because of where he plays.
I think its more of the team already have been picked and they were not ready to let anyone go.

Watching Satelite Hotstove the other night (on HNIC), John Davidson said there will most certainly be injuries and Staal will play. Now I know he is not Ms. Cleo but maybe its just how its always been???

One thing about Ryan Smyth. When Gretzky asked him to go play for Canada at ANY time, he would go. Unlike O'Neill, thus Jeff got snuffed the next time. Gretzky is into loyalty period. I am not sticking up for it. Its just the way it is.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Of course you know this ;) - but it was a CYA for Hockey Canada to limit the Staal/Spezza/McCabe backlash.

Sounds like the other countries are just going to wait and see and replace if/when needed.

Yeah, the CYA is why Team Canada made the big deal out of the taxi squad.

What I was referring to and what I don't get is why the IIHF made a big deal out of the annoucement of the "creation" of the taxi squad when it's not really any different from year's past. Were they helping Wayne CHisA?

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Of course you know this ;) - but it was a CYA for Hockey Canada to limit the Staal/Spezza/McCabe backlash.

Sounds like the other countries are just going to wait and see and replace if/when needed.

Yeah, the CYA is why Team Canada made the big deal out of the taxi squad.

What I was referring to and what I don't get is why the IIHF made a big deal out of the annoucement of the "creation" of the taxi squad when it's not really any different from year's past. Were they helping Wayne CHisA?

[nccanes]

="Slam"GM thinks taxi squad will Staal progress

Rutherford would like to see Olympic rosters expanded
By BRUCE GARRIOCH -- Ottawa Sun



Jim Rutherford doesn't want to stand in the way of a golden opportunity.

But the Carolina Hurricanes GM isn't thrilled with the idea of star centre Eric Staal going to Italy in February and not even getting a chance to practice or feel like he's part of Team Canada.

As it stands now, Staal, Ottawa centre Jason Spezza and Toronto defenceman Bryan McCabe will play the role of cheerleaders for Canada at the Olympics in Turin, Italy.

In fact, the Canadian taxi squad won't have much more access than the guy who buys a ticket to cheer on Team Canada, because they're not allowed to stay in the Olympic village or even workout with the team.

And that doesn't sit well with Rutherford, who is hoping Team Canada executive director Wayne Gretzky can use his great weight to get the International Olympic Committee to change the rules so that Staal, Spezza and McCabe don't just sit around.

"My belief is that if they're going to have these taxi squads, they should just be part of a 26-man roster so everybody is part of the team and they feel like they are part of the team," Rutherford said yesterday from his Raleigh, N.C., office.

NO ICE AVAILABLE

"They should be allowed to go there, stay with the team and be allowed to practice. In the case of Eric Staal, he's going to be in Italy for 12 days. If he's not allowed to practice with the team -- and I think it's going to be difficult to find ice otherwise -- I don't really think it's very beneficial for (Staal) to spend that many days off the ice with such an important part of the year coming up for us when play resumes. You want the guys practising and preparing for the rest of the season if they're not going to get a chance to play."

Rutherford hasn't had a chance to voice his concerns to Gretzky since the team was announced last week. Gretzky has been dealing with the death of his mother, Phyllis, and only returned to his job as coach of the Coyotes last night.

But Gretzky has talked about the rules with officials from the International Ice Hockey Federation and it's believed they have approached the IOC about the matter because when the Great One speaks, people listen.

The players aren't sure what's going to happen.

Gretzky called all three last Wednesday to inform them of their selections to the taxi squad, but the players say all they were told was to stay ready.

Now, there is a chance somebody could get hurt before Team Canada leaves in mid-February, which means Staal, Spezza or McCabe could be pushed into active duty. But that's not the case now and nobody can count on any injuries occurring.

"I don't know what is going to happen or where we would stay or if we could practice," said Spezza. "Hopefully, we're at least going to get to practice with the team. I guess we could go to the games and sit in the stands. If that's the case, maybe (Staal) and I will be just there having beers, watching the games." :lol:

Yes, Spezza was joking about sipping pints, but that's exactly what Rutherford wants to avoid. He wants the players to go to Italy for hockey experience, not a trip that turns into nothing more than an extended vacation.

ONLY A FLIGHT AWAY

"My suggestion would be if (Gretzky) isn't able to get the rules changed so these players can at least practice with Team Canada, then maybe they need to look at the way these three players are used," said Rutherford.

"Maybe, they go over there for a week and see if anybody gets hurt. It that doesn't happen, then they return to their respective cities and practice with their teams.

"That way, if somebody does go down, then these players are just a flight away. As it stands now, I don't know what they'd be like to just step in there and play if they aren't even allowed to practice.

"How much would they really help the team in that kind of situation? They might be better off being back in North America practising with their teams."

[nccanes]

="Slam"GM thinks taxi squad will Staal progress

Rutherford would like to see Olympic rosters expanded
By BRUCE GARRIOCH -- Ottawa Sun



Jim Rutherford doesn't want to stand in the way of a golden opportunity.

But the Carolina Hurricanes GM isn't thrilled with the idea of star centre Eric Staal going to Italy in February and not even getting a chance to practice or feel like he's part of Team Canada.

As it stands now, Staal, Ottawa centre Jason Spezza and Toronto defenceman Bryan McCabe will play the role of cheerleaders for Canada at the Olympics in Turin, Italy.

In fact, the Canadian taxi squad won't have much more access than the guy who buys a ticket to cheer on Team Canada, because they're not allowed to stay in the Olympic village or even workout with the team.

And that doesn't sit well with Rutherford, who is hoping Team Canada executive director Wayne Gretzky can use his great weight to get the International Olympic Committee to change the rules so that Staal, Spezza and McCabe don't just sit around.

"My belief is that if they're going to have these taxi squads, they should just be part of a 26-man roster so everybody is part of the team and they feel like they are part of the team," Rutherford said yesterday from his Raleigh, N.C., office.

NO ICE AVAILABLE

"They should be allowed to go there, stay with the team and be allowed to practice. In the case of Eric Staal, he's going to be in Italy for 12 days. If he's not allowed to practice with the team -- and I think it's going to be difficult to find ice otherwise -- I don't really think it's very beneficial for (Staal) to spend that many days off the ice with such an important part of the year coming up for us when play resumes. You want the guys practising and preparing for the rest of the season if they're not going to get a chance to play."

Rutherford hasn't had a chance to voice his concerns to Gretzky since the team was announced last week. Gretzky has been dealing with the death of his mother, Phyllis, and only returned to his job as coach of the Coyotes last night.

But Gretzky has talked about the rules with officials from the International Ice Hockey Federation and it's believed they have approached the IOC about the matter because when the Great One speaks, people listen.

The players aren't sure what's going to happen.

Gretzky called all three last Wednesday to inform them of their selections to the taxi squad, but the players say all they were told was to stay ready.

Now, there is a chance somebody could get hurt before Team Canada leaves in mid-February, which means Staal, Spezza or McCabe could be pushed into active duty. But that's not the case now and nobody can count on any injuries occurring.

"I don't know what is going to happen or where we would stay or if we could practice," said Spezza. "Hopefully, we're at least going to get to practice with the team. I guess we could go to the games and sit in the stands. If that's the case, maybe (Staal) and I will be just there having beers, watching the games." :lol:

Yes, Spezza was joking about sipping pints, but that's exactly what Rutherford wants to avoid. He wants the players to go to Italy for hockey experience, not a trip that turns into nothing more than an extended vacation.

ONLY A FLIGHT AWAY

"My suggestion would be if (Gretzky) isn't able to get the rules changed so these players can at least practice with Team Canada, then maybe they need to look at the way these three players are used," said Rutherford.

"Maybe, they go over there for a week and see if anybody gets hurt. It that doesn't happen, then they return to their respective cities and practice with their teams.

"That way, if somebody does go down, then these players are just a flight away. As it stands now, I don't know what they'd be like to just step in there and play if they aren't even allowed to practice.

"How much would they really help the team in that kind of situation? They might be better off being back in North America practising with their teams."

[SoCalcaniac]

This taxi squad thing not only has started a controversy, but also is going to be a pain in the behind. And I'm with JR- our kid does not need to be sitting around doing nothing in Italy, if he's not going to get to experience the Olympic experience. Hopefully Wayne can get something arranged for the sake of all the teams- not just Canada.

[SoCalcaniac]

This taxi squad thing not only has started a controversy, but also is going to be a pain in the behind. And I'm with JR- our kid does not need to be sitting around doing nothing in Italy, if he's not going to get to experience the Olympic experience. Hopefully Wayne can get something arranged for the sake of all the teams- not just Canada.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Staal was quoted somewhere as saying "Why don't I just stay here and they can call me if they need me." I think that's probably the best case scenario if they can't stay and skate with the team, too.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Staal was quoted somewhere as saying "Why don't I just stay here and they can call me if they need me." I think that's probably the best case scenario if they can't stay and skate with the team, too.

[nccanes]

Staal was quoted somewhere as saying "Why don't I just stay here and they can call me if they need me." I think that's probably the best case scenario if they can't stay and skate with the team, too.

I think that was the Potvin comment, paraphrasing his converstation with Staal. I didn't see that broadcast, but I think it was delivered in a manner that seemed uncharacteristic to our young Eric. I think SoCal heard it.

[nccanes]

Staal was quoted somewhere as saying "Why don't I just stay here and they can call me if they need me." I think that's probably the best case scenario if they can't stay and skate with the team, too.

I think that was the Potvin comment, paraphrasing his converstation with Staal. I didn't see that broadcast, but I think it was delivered in a manner that seemed uncharacteristic to our young Eric. I think SoCal heard it.

[nccanes]

This the THE headline at Yahoo Sports on the NHL page right now:

Snubbed Crosby continues on a hot streak

WTF - is this for real?

I happened to see the FSN Pitt broadcast today and they had Crosby's dad for an interview at an intermission. First they talk about how Sid chartered a plane to fly himself home to spend xmas with the family and then fly them all to Pitt for the week and how "nice" that was. I thought it was kind of an unkind way to pose the questions instead of merely discussing how it was nice they spent the holiday together. Anyway, then they ask if Sid was disappointed about not making the team. His Dad said "Of course, he was down about it.....". I suppose honesty is supposed to be refreshing, but I think for the benefit of his own kid, saying something like "he'll have plenty of opportunities" or "there were other great/deserving players left off the list too" or ANYTHING other than making it sound like poor Sid was blue.

Ugh. Why is it I like Ovechkin and have started to dislike Crosby? :crazy:

[nccanes]

This the THE headline at Yahoo Sports on the NHL page right now:

Snubbed Crosby continues on a hot streak

WTF - is this for real?

I happened to see the FSN Pitt broadcast today and they had Crosby's dad for an interview at an intermission. First they talk about how Sid chartered a plane to fly himself home to spend xmas with the family and then fly them all to Pitt for the week and how "nice" that was. I thought it was kind of an unkind way to pose the questions instead of merely discussing how it was nice they spent the holiday together. Anyway, then they ask if Sid was disappointed about not making the team. His Dad said "Of course, he was down about it.....". I suppose honesty is supposed to be refreshing, but I think for the benefit of his own kid, saying something like "he'll have plenty of opportunities" or "there were other great/deserving players left off the list too" or ANYTHING other than making it sound like poor Sid was blue.

Ugh. Why is it I like Ovechkin and have started to dislike Crosby? :crazy:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Ugh. Why is it I like Ovechkin and have started to dislike Crosby? :crazy:

Cause he plays on the worst team in the league, never gets any credit, never gets any hype, never gets talked about, and never says a damn thing but how much fun he is having?

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Ugh. Why is it I like Ovechkin and have started to dislike Crosby? :crazy:

Cause he plays on the worst team in the league, never gets any credit, never gets any hype, never gets talked about, and never says a damn thing but how much fun he is having?

[StormShaman]

Ugh. Why is it I like Ovechkin and have started to dislike Crosby? :crazy:

Cause he plays on the worst team in the league, never gets any credit, never gets any hype, never gets talked about, and never says a damn thing but how much fun he is having?

That's because nobody ever talks to him. Alex Ovechkin is actually quite a character. :)

[StormShaman]

Ugh. Why is it I like Ovechkin and have started to dislike Crosby? :crazy:

Cause he plays on the worst team in the league, never gets any credit, never gets any hype, never gets talked about, and never says a damn thing but how much fun he is having?

That's because nobody ever talks to him. Alex Ovechkin is actually quite a character. :)

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Oh, I believe it! Anytime they do bother to allow him 2 words he cracks me up.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Oh, I believe it! Anytime they do bother to allow him 2 words he cracks me up.

[SoCalcaniac]

E- I saw that game/interview-and that Pat Parris going on and on about the chartered plane- etc. and I thought woa. I think I'm now on Crosby overload- not to pile on the Kid, but he's overexposed or something and the 'charm' of a hockey phenom and his story, has started to wear on me....he's a good kid, but like I said, it's too much too soon- or maybe as a hockey fan, I'm just not used to the NBA type hype over a player-

On the other hand- I've become even more of an Ovechkin fan- "Sasha" as he had one of the Comcast broadcasters call him during an intermission interview, is quite interesting and doesn't appear intimidated at all in the interview/media process. He has done pretty well with his English, and he seems eager to be immersed in North America.-in one interview, he tells the guy his favorite North American food is "steak- Medium-Well" and that he wants his road roomate to be an English speaker so he 'can talk to his fans better'. LOL. - At first I didn't like that dark visor thing- but now, I'm digging it- shows his personality. I've seen him interviewed 5 different times, and he's only gonna get better. Shoot, in a few years, he'll be like Sergei Samsonov, who now seems to have zero traces of his Russian accent- quite amazing. Ovechkin is quite charming- but I'm biased- because he was so nice incredibly nice to me and all the fans clamoring at him at that DBAP function with all the 1st rounders on Draft Weekend, and then again @ the Arena District Starbucks in Columbus. ;)

Yeah, the rookie sweepstakes or whatever we're calling it- does have a Crosby tilt- but I'm with everyone else, it'd be nice to hear more about Ovechkin- and good gosh, how about Dion Phaneuf in CGY????

[SoCalcaniac]

E- I saw that game/interview-and that Pat Parris going on and on about the chartered plane- etc. and I thought woa. I think I'm now on Crosby overload- not to pile on the Kid, but he's overexposed or something and the 'charm' of a hockey phenom and his story, has started to wear on me....he's a good kid, but like I said, it's too much too soon- or maybe as a hockey fan, I'm just not used to the NBA type hype over a player-

On the other hand- I've become even more of an Ovechkin fan- "Sasha" as he had one of the Comcast broadcasters call him during an intermission interview, is quite interesting and doesn't appear intimidated at all in the interview/media process. He has done pretty well with his English, and he seems eager to be immersed in North America.-in one interview, he tells the guy his favorite North American food is "steak- Medium-Well" and that he wants his road roomate to be an English speaker so he 'can talk to his fans better'. LOL. - At first I didn't like that dark visor thing- but now, I'm digging it- shows his personality. I've seen him interviewed 5 different times, and he's only gonna get better. Shoot, in a few years, he'll be like Sergei Samsonov, who now seems to have zero traces of his Russian accent- quite amazing. Ovechkin is quite charming- but I'm biased- because he was so nice incredibly nice to me and all the fans clamoring at him at that DBAP function with all the 1st rounders on Draft Weekend, and then again @ the Arena District Starbucks in Columbus. ;)

Yeah, the rookie sweepstakes or whatever we're calling it- does have a Crosby tilt- but I'm with everyone else, it'd be nice to hear more about Ovechkin- and good gosh, how about Dion Phaneuf in CGY????

[cmw00]

How does a Brazillian, Robyn Regher get on team canada?

[cmw00]

How does a Brazillian, Robyn Regher get on team canada?

[StormShaman]

How does a Brazillian, Robyn Regher get on team canada?

Because even though he was born in Brazil (of Canadian parents), he's a Canadian citizen.

[StormShaman]

How does a Brazillian, Robyn Regher get on team canada?

Because even though he was born in Brazil (of Canadian parents), he's a Canadian citizen.

[cmw00]

How does a Brazillian, Robyn Regher get on team canada?

Because even though he was born in Brazil (of Canadian parents), he's a Canadian citizen.

Hows that work? Whats up with his parents cause Richie was born abroad as well.

[cmw00]

How does a Brazillian, Robyn Regher get on team canada?

Because even though he was born in Brazil (of Canadian parents), he's a Canadian citizen.

Hows that work? Whats up with his parents cause Richie was born abroad as well.

[StormShaman]

How does a Brazillian, Robyn Regher get on team canada?

Because even though he was born in Brazil (of Canadian parents), he's a Canadian citizen.

Hows that work? Whats up with his parents cause Richie was born abroad as well.

His parents were missionaries in Brazil and Indonesia for some years, and moved back to Canada not long after Richie was born.

[StormShaman]

How does a Brazillian, Robyn Regher get on team canada?

Because even though he was born in Brazil (of Canadian parents), he's a Canadian citizen.

Hows that work? Whats up with his parents cause Richie was born abroad as well.

His parents were missionaries in Brazil and Indonesia for some years, and moved back to Canada not long after Richie was born.