 |
|
The Road to Vancouver
Tuesday, 11.17.2009 / 10:38 AM
/ 2010 Winter Olympics
Naslund for Team Sweden?
11.17.2009 / 10:31 PM ET
Interesting news coming out of Ornskoldsvik today. It appears Markus Naslund is interested in playing again and has gone into training in the hopes of joining Peter Forsberg on Modo, the team both played for as teenagers before coming to North America.
You can read the story here.
Forsberg has been very open about the fact that he is making his latest comeback from foot woes in order to impress Team Sweden management enough earn consideration for the Olympics this February. Is it unreasonable to expect that Naslund could also enter into the national team picture if he plays well for Modo during the next month?
Sweden officially announces its roster on Dec. 27, so Naslund has a little more than five weeks to make an impression. It seems an unlikely task, but it is certainly not impossible.
By the way, if you want to see how NHL.com envisions the Team Sweden roster shaking out come late December, check out this story where NHL.com staff writer Adam Kimelman played Team Sweden GM for the day.
--Shawn P. Roarke
Lidstrom still undecided
11.04.2009 / 4:18 PM ET
Would Nicklas Lidstrom actually say no to Sweden?
It's possible.
Lidstrom told NHL.com today at the end of phone interview centered mostly around the Hall of Fame induction of Steve Yzerman that he is still not sure if he's going to help Sweden defend its gold medal in Vancouver.
"That'll come later," Lidstrom said. "I haven't really decided yet on what to do. I think that'll come later."
Lidstrom is weighing several factors in his decision, most notably his overall health.
He wants to make sure he's healthy for the Detroit Red Wings down the stretch run of the NHL season, and isn't so sure that playing an extra six extremely intense and extraordinarily critiqued games is the best thing.
"I was banged up over the summer, so I just want to make sure I'm healthy enough that I'm able to play in such a big tournament like that, where the best players in the world are participating," Lidstrom said.
All things being equal, I'd be shocked if Lidstrom says no to his home country. It's most likely his last chance to win at the international level.
However, we'll know in due time.
-- Dan Rosen
NOTE: We're back! After a long layoff to attend to the opening of the season and the Premiere Games, among other things, NHL.com is reviving its Road to Vancouver blog to document all the news leading up to, and including, the hockey tournament in February. We've kept all of NHL.com's coverage from both the USA and Canada orientation camps this summer in this blog, so you can refer back. Keep this page bookmarked for all of your Olympic hockey news.
100 days and counting
11.04.2009 / 10:23 AM ET
It may seem like a long time -- 100 days -- but the XXI Winter Olympics will be here in no time. Consider that we have been waiting for more than 1,200 days since Sweden took gold in Torino and 100 days is like the blink of an eye.
As a result, the Olympic news is starting to fly in at a rapid pace.
The United States Olympic Committee had a huge Olympic festival Wednesday at Rockefeller Center, just two blocks from NHL.com's office space. Current candidate David Backes of the St. Louis Blues was on hand, as were 1980 luminaries Jim Craig, Steve Janaszak and Mike Eurizione and the leading scorer from the 1960 gold medal-winning club, Bill Cleary. Vladimir Miyskin, Russia's back-up goalie in 1980, was also on hand for a cool on-ice ceremony at Rock Center.
NHL.com staff writers Mike Morreale and Dave Lozo will have more from today's activities on NHL.com.
Also of note today was the IIHF announcing the dates on which each of the 12 men's Olympic teams will announce their final rosters. Rocky Bonanno has all those details in his NHL.com story.
Team USA will be the last team to announce, making its selection on national TV during NBC's broadcast of the 2010 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic from Fenway Park in Boston.
Canada will go a day earlier, announcing its roster from the World Junior Championships in Regina, Sask.
Finland and the Czech Republic will both name rosters on Dec. 30. Sweden plans to announce on Dec. 27 and Russia will give fans an extra present by announcing on Christmas Day.
-- Shawn P. Roarke
NOTE: I will be doing a live blog of tonight's Red-White scrimmage. I will move to this blog link at 7 p.m. ET (5 p.m. MT) to start the live blog. Follow along with me as I take you through all that goes on tonight at the Pengrowth Saddledome here in Calgary. -- Dan Rosen
Win the close ones
08.27.2009 / 3:30 PM ET
The Canadian men's Olympic hockey team has seen it all in the past eight years -- ticker tape in 2002, tar and feathers in 2006.
Jarome Iginla, tabbed as a possible Canadian captain for the upcoming 2010 Vancouver Winter Games, has negotiated those peaks and valleys.
He was hailed as a hero at Salt Lake City for his two-goal tour de force in the 5-2, gold-medal-winning decision against the host Americans. He, alongside the likes of Vinny Lecavalier, Joe Thornton, Dany Heatley and Joe Sakic, also felt the fury of Canadian hockey fans for an acute lack of production in Turin.
Canada's final four results at the 2006 Games?
Switzerland 2, Canada 0 !!!
Finland 2, Canada 0
Canada 3, Czech Republic 2
Russia 2, Canada 0 in a quarter-final
The Calgary Flames' captain says there's a lesson to be learned there.
"Part of is preparation for the fact that there are going to be close games," said Iginla on Thursday morning at Calgary's Pengrowth Saddledome. "We're going to try and be as prepared as we can be, and still be very confident. We believe we can win that gold medal, and that Canada's going to have a great team.
"Those countries are prepared too," added the 32-year-old from St. Albert, Alta. "We've all played for Canada at different times, and there are going to be close games.
"Unfortunately, at the last Olympics, those close games didn't go our way. We're going to find ways to win those ones this time."
-- Todd Kimberley
Outdoor fun
08.27.2009 / 3:04 PM ET
Upon their arrival at this orientation camp, the San Jose Sharks' Joe Thornton and Dan Boyle were lamenting the loss of their golf clubs in transit.
"The most important things," said Jumbo Joe.
"I'm all choked up," quipped Boyle.
It wasn't all work in Calgary this week. Besides hitting the links in an organized event on Tuesday, some players took advantage of the world-class rainbow trout fishing in the Bow River.
"It was great to have these team-building activities," said Corey Perry of the Anaheim Ducks. "We've had a couple of dinners. Played some golf. Some guys went fishing yesterday and this morning. "Those are all great things that help a team get closer."
-- Todd Kimberley
Nash and 'The Kid'
08.27.2009 / 12:50 PM ET
Rick Nash and Sidney Crosby. Canadian hockey fans should get used to that pairing.
Barring any unforeseen development, I find it hard to believe that Mike Babcock won't put Crosby and Nash together on the same line to open the Olympics. Both players appear to be locks to make this club and Babcock even said Wednesday that he likes the way that pair looks.
They have been together throughout camp and I expect them to play together in the Red-White scrimmage tonight.
"The first couple of days have been fun," Nash said. "Obviously it's not a game situation, but I found just going to the net with your stick down the puck ends up right on it."
Nash, though, wasn't effusive with his praise of Crosby. He called him a "special player," but also "just one of 46." There are only 44 on the ice this week as Ryan Getzlaf is watching from the stands and Simon Gagne was sent home with a groin strain.
"He's a teammate and a linemate now and you don't look at him any different than that," Nash said when asked if he sees Crosby in a different light now that No. 87 raised the Cup. "Sidney has that prestige about him with the things that he's achieved. It is fun to play with him, but there are so many good players you can find chemistry with any of them."
Nash, though, has apparently found that chemistry with Crosby. Look for it in Vancouver.
-- Dan Rosen
Experiencing Babcock
08.26.2009 / 9:26 PM ET
Dan Cleary told me tonight that he is the most comfortable guy here at Canada's orientation camp, otherwise known as the Mike Babcock Show.
"I know every drill, every situation, every breakout, power play and penalty kill," the only Red Wing in camp said. "All this is exactly what I have been taught and learned the last five years."
The rest of the guys? Not so much. They are all getting their first taste of Babcock and it's been eye opening to say the least.
"You know what, he's intense, he knows exactly what he wants and you need to know exactly what he wants," Shane Doan said. "If you're wrong it's going to be something that he's going to make sure you know you did it wrong and he'll be there to help you."
Earlier in the week, Sidney Crosby said he had a newfound appreciation for Babcock. Most every player has touched on the same thing.
And, truth be told, it's been a joy to watch Babcock coach this week. Right from the get-go he showed how serious he was and made it abundantly clear that this is his team. Not five minutes into the first practice session he was barking out orders.
Nothing has changed. The guy sweats it out for his country, that's for sure.
"I think it's of the utmost importance that they know this is his team," Lindy Ruff said. "We're his staff and I relish that opportunity. It's a great opportunity. I think the chemistry on the coaching staff is great. You have four guys that are going to work extremely hard for each other."
-- Dan Rosen
White out at the Saddledome
08.26.2009 / 5:17 PM ET
We are back in the Saddledome for the afternoon practice sessions and the White group is on the ice. Hockey Canada has released the lines for today and they are as follows:
White
Nash-Crosby-St. Louis
Toews-Richards-Iginla
Morrow-McDonald-Heatley
J. Staal-Doan
Niedermayer-Weber
Bouwmeester-Burns
Keith-Green
Beauchemin-M. Staal
Brodeur
Fleury
Red
Marleau-Lecavalier-Cleary
Smyth-Spezza-Sharp
E. Staal-Thornton-Carter
Lucic-Roy-Perry
Pronger-Boyle
Regehr-Doughty
Phaneuf-Seabrook
Hamhuis-Robidas
Luongo
Ward
Mason
-- Dan Rosen
Lucic: Savard will not be affected
08.26.2009 / 2:35 PM ET
Bruins center Marc Savard was the surprise omission last month when Hockey Canada announced the list of 46 players it invited to this week's orientation camp. When Joe Sakic retired and subsequently had to be taken off the list, Savard was again bypassed, this time in favor of Jason Spezza. After Ryan Getzlaf had surgery late last month, taking him off the ice this week, Savard was again shutout. Hockey Canada chose to go with 45 skaters instead of 46.
What does Milan Lucic, Savard's teammate and lone Bruins' representative here in Calgary this week, think of all that? Well, he's surprised that Savard isn't here, but doesn't think No. 91 will be crying come training camp.
"Him not being here, I don't think it means he's 100 percent off the radar," Lucic said. "If he still plays the way he does, you never know, he could get the call even though he's not here. I think more than anything he's going to have a great start to the season and he's not going to pout or let this affect him. He's going to play well for us."
At the time Hockey Canada revealed the initial list, Steve Yzerman said Savard didn't make the cut because they wanted to bring a well rounded, balanced group of players that can do many different things. Ironically, Lucic falls into that category.
-- Dan Rosen
Hitchcock lauds Babcock
08.26.2009 / 9:58 AM ET
As the head coach of the 2010 Canadian men's Olympic effort, Mike Babcock will be subject to endless streams of second-guessing across Canada, from now through Feb. 28.
None of it will come from Ken Hitchcock.
After a couple of days of practice at this Canadian orientation camp, 'Hitch' loves what he sees from his Central Division coaching counterpart.
"He's a super-A-type personality," grinned Hitchcock to a round of laughter. "He's a very focused, intense individual, and he doesn't move on anywhere until it’s done.
"It’s like the way he runs practice, the way we're doing things right now," added the bench boss of the Columbus Blue Jackets. "We're moving ahead, and if it's not done right, he doesn't care what the name(plate) says on the back, what your number is, where you’re from, who you play for — he treats everybody the same.
"You've got to do the job. When he says you've got to play on 200 feet, you've got to play on 200 feet. And when the discussions on the personnel come, he’s going to be very determined that his voice is going to be heard.
"He wants to trust players," said Hitchcock. "There's trusting as far as work and skill, and then there's trusting as far as the commitment to play in the full 200 feet. Because the game we want to put out there has got a lot of pressure in it, a lot of skating in it, and a lot of focus on it. There's no resting on the ice with the way he wants to play."
-- Todd Kimberley
Is Marleau just putting on a happy face?
08/25/2009 / 7:47 PM ET
Patrick Marleau faced a good round of questioning Monday about the story that broke a few weeks back about the Sharks taking the C off his sweater. Even though it seems like such a slap in the face, Marleau said he was OK with the decision made by management to put the C up for grabs, but you have to wonder if he was being totally truthful.
My gut feeling is he wasn't, but he's smart enough to know that he doesn't gain a thing by coming out and publicly lambasting the team for it's public embarrassment of him.
However, when asked if he has been asked to waive his no-trade clause, Marleau said, "I'd like to keep that private." And, when a reporter asked him if he was surprised that GM Doug Wilson didn't make moves this summer to change the culture in San Jose after last season's playoff flop, Marleau gave one of those 'just wait' looks.
"We had discussions and we're on the same page, we want to win the Stanley Cup and improve things to improve our chances," Marleau said. "The organization thinks this is one of the things we need to do and I'm all for that."
Marleau can't really believe what the Sharks did is the right thing, can he? If he has any pride at all -- and he most definitely does -- he has to think they're making a mistake in taking the C off his sweater.
"I can see where they're coming from and they can probably see where I'm coming from," he said.
Marleau is at least comforted knowing the decision, which was apparently made jointly by GM Doug Wilson and coach Todd McLellan, likely has nothing to do with his performance on the ice. He scored a career-high 38 goals in 2008-09, but the Sharks, who won the Presidents' Trophy, flamed out of the playoffs in just six games.
They were easily the team that got the least out of their talent.
"I think it's more about a feeling of the leadership group in the room and moving forward that way," Marleau said. "Obviously it's a great honor to be captain and it's good to have the pressure, but with all that being said having a letter on my sweater or not having a letter on my sweater is not going to change who I am in the locker room or what I do on the ice. It's all about us winning as a club and hopefully it plays out the way we want it to."
Marleau, though, admitted he puts a lot of the blame for the playoff disaster on his shoulders because he was the captain and ultimately the man responsible to answer all the questions about what went so wrong after everything looked so rosy.
"There are consequences for that," he said. "I do take a lot of the blame because I was the captain and we didn't get as far as we wanted to. I think everybody knows we messed up and we have to right that wrong."
But will Marleau be a part of fixing the problem? Or, an even better question, does he want to be a part of the solution in San Jose after losing his C?
Neither has an easy answer right now, but we'll find out in due time.
-- Dan Rosen
Crosby compliments coach
08/25/2009 / 4:32 PM ET
He's lined up against Mike Babcock for hockey's ultimate prize two years running, but Sidney Crosby can't help but have infinite respect for the head coach of Canada's 2010 Olympic effort.
"I've learned a lot in two days here," said El Sid on Tuesday, referring to the direction of the Detroit Red Wings' bench boss. "I think, selfishly, we're all going to try and bring that stuff back to our own (NHL) teams.
"Mike's resume speaks for itself," added the Pittsburgh Penguins superstar, 22, who in June became the youngest captain in NHL history to win the Stanley Cup. "He's well respected by everyone.
"As far as the camp is concerned," stated Crosby, "he wanted to make sure he had everyone sharp and ready and executing well, because there's a lot to teach in a short period of time. Guys have been pretty attentive."
- Todd Kimberley
Changing of the guard
08/25/2009 / 4:15 PM ET
Martin Brodeur is gunning for his fourth and final Olympic appearance.
Still, after the 2006 debacle at Turin -- when the puckstopper from Montreal was one of the few very bright spots of a curiously lifeless Canadian squad -- Brodeur isn't surprised that a changing-of-the-guard appears to be taking place in time for the 2010 Games.
Of the 46 players invited to this week's Canadian men's team Olympic orientation camp at Calgary's Pengrowth Saddledome, 20 of them are aged 25 or younger.
"Well, these are the guys who are dominating the NHL right now," said Brodeur on Tuesday of the Canadian camp's kiddie corps, which includes Crosby, Jonathan Toews, Drew Doughty, Brent Seabrook, Corey Perry, Eric Staal and Mike Green.
"Obviously you've got to go with your best players, and these guys are top of the league," he added. "Definitely, there'll be somewhat of a change.
"It'll be interesting to see what the makeup of the team looks like."
- Todd Kimberley
Dominant trio
08/25/2009 / 3:44 PM ET
Crosby, Rick Nash of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Jarome Iginla of the Calgary Flames were once again thrown together on a line Tuesday morning during the white group's practice, and Babcock is impressed with what he sees.
"They're real talented players," he remarked. "Sid skates as well as anybody I've ever seen on the ice; I've never seen anything like that. He gives them tempo, bashes a big body, plays a good give-and-go game, goes to the net, he can really shoot and protect the puck.
"But we're a work in progress here. Let's be honest," added Babcock. "We changed up the 'D' pairs today, and we'll probably change up the forward lines for tomorrow.
"Sometimes, what you'd like us to tell you is who's on the team. Well, we don't know who's on the team. They're going to earn the right to be on the team. We're just going to watch them. We'll decide."
No later than Dec. 31.
- Todd Kimberley
Gagne sent home
08/25/2009 / 1:52 PM ET
Flyers forward Simon Gagne has been sent home. He apparently aggravated a groin or hip injury and can't skate.
Why he was sent home and exactly what the injury is are questions that Steve Yzerman and Mike Babcock will be answering later.
- Dan Rosen
Watching practice
08.25.2009 / 1:25 PM ET
The White grouping is on the Saddledome ice right now, but Simon Gagne is not with them. He is reportedly out for the rest of camp, but we will hopefully find out for sure after practice.
As for the combos out there, Sidney Crosby is again centering a lethal line between Rick Nash and Jarome Iginla. They skated together last night, too.
Mike Richards is skating between Dany Heatley and Brenden Morrow. The last five are mixed and matched, but Jonathan Toews and Jordan Staal are the centers with Shane Doan, Martin St. Louis and Andy McDonald as the wingers.
On defense, Scott Niedermayer and Marc Staal are together as are Duncan Keith and Shea Weber, Francois Beauchemin and Brent Burns as well as Mike Green and Jay Bouwmeester.
The goalies are Martin Brodeur and Marc-Andre Fleury.
-- Dan Rosen
Getzlaf in weird spot
08.25.2009 / 1:00 PM ET
Ryan Getzlaf gets to spend the week watching and that isn't sitting too well with the Ducks star center, who had sports hernia surgery late last month.
"I've never been on the outside," Getzlaf said. "It's a little bit different for me to mix in with the group when you're not able to go on the ice. It's a disappointing thing, especially it being my first time around. I'll make the best of it and try to learn from the guys here."
Getzlaf said he spoke several times to Team Canada's Executive Director Steve Yzerman prior to having his surgery and is confident it will not affect his opportunity to make this team. He said he will be getting back on the ice perhaps as early as next week and should be ready to play in the Ducks' last two exhibition games, putting him in line to start the season 100 percent healthy.
"Things are going really well so there is no reason to think otherwise," Getzlaf said.
Still, he would have preferred to be on the ice this week, but he had to make the decision to have the surgery keeping the Ducks in mind. That is, after all, the team that pays him.
"It was definitely my decision if I was going to do it or not and how it would affect me with this team," Getzlaf said. "I'm pretty sure it's not going to affect the way things go. I'm going to have to pay attention up close to watch practices so I can learn the stuff they're learning on the ice."
-- Dan Rosen
Babcock loves the attention
08.24.2009 / 10:30 PM ET
Mike Babcock said he received a text message from some of his friends at the lake earlier Monday saying, 'Why are you at camp? We picked the team already.'
It's been that kind of summer for Babcock. Everywhere he goes in this country -- and he has a lake house in Saskatchewan -- people are asking him and telling him who is going to be on the Canadian Men's Olympic Hockey Team.
"Everybody at my lake picked the team all summer," Babcock said. "People are into it and I think that's fantastic."
Babcock even lets some of the regular Joes in this country have their say, too.
"We auctioned off a fishing trip for kids' cancer and I flew back from Detroit to Saskatchewan for it and one night on the table I laid it all out for them," he said. "I figured they might as well get something for the trip. It was kind of fun. It was good. The plumbers had a lot of input for me."
Why all the fuss, though? Why does everybody want or feel they have an opinion or they should have a say in this?
Well, according to Babcock, it's quite simple.
"I'm Canadian and when you're born Canadian in my opinion it's like winning the lotto," he said. "You're in the greatest country I believe and you're playing the greatest game that the people have passion for. I love living in the U.S. My family is there and we have a great time there. We play in a great hockey environment, but you have to find those environments in the U.S. It's just across the country here and I think the passion for it is fantastic. It's that exciting here. It's that big of a deal.
"Thirty-seven million people are going to tune into every game. I think that's awesome."
-- Dan Rosen
Can I have your autograph, and your job?
08.24.2009 / 6:55 PM ET
Steve Mason grew up idolizing Martin Brodeur and today marked the first time Columbus' young goalie got the chance to meet his childhood hero. Before he did, though, Mason admitted he will be "starstruck" when the two shake hands and, yes, he will be asking Brodeur for his autograph at some point this week.
In the next few months he also hopes he can steal Brodeur's job as Canada's No. 1 goalie.
"That's something I will have to do aside from everything," Mason said upon arriving at the airport early this afternoon. "I talked to my buddies back home and I can't come to this camp, get a chance to meet him and not have that happen. I don't know how I'm going to approach it. I'll probably be starstruck when I see him."
Mason said he had pictures of Brodeur adorning his bedroom walls and he would always try to watch the New Jersey Devils play. He said he has been looking forward to meeting Brodeur for quite some time now.
"I grew up idolizing him so to be on the same ice surface going out for the same team is pretty special," Mason said. "I'm getting an opportunity to meet one of my idols so this is something like a dream come true. I'm looking forward to learning from him and watching him to see how he handles himself."
-- Dan Rosen
Heading back downtown
08.24.2009 / 3:42 PM ET
Our work at the airport is finished and we can't thank Hockey Canada enough. The opportunity to get to talk to these players before they hit the ice here was a boon for us all.
Here are some more updates:
Cam Ward wouldn't say that it's up to the other goalies here to knock Martin Brodeur off his perch, but you get the feeling that's what he is thinking. Ward said playing in the Olympics would be a nice substitution for never making one of Canada's World Jr. teams.
Dan Boyle is still steamed that he did not get to play in Torino and is out to make amends. Boyle, Jason Spezza and Eric Staal were extras. They sat in the stands and watched Canada finish sixth.
Patrick Marleau doesn't seem too irked that he had his "C" taken away in San Jose, but he also said he didn't want to comment when he was asked if the Sharks asked him to waive his no trade clause.
Brenden Morrow, who lost most of last season to a knee injury, says he is 100 percent healthy.
Ryan Getzlaf is sorry he can't skate here this week due to his recent sports hernia surgery. He will be ready for the start of the season and he doesn't think that not skating here will hurt his chances. He will be expected to watch closely, though.
More later.
- Dan Rosen
Airport arrivals
08.24.2009 / 2:16 PM ET
We have already gotten the chance to interview a number of players as they arrive at the airport and here is the gist:
Scott Niedermayer is more reflective now and definitely wants to be a part of this team. He is a favorite to be the captain, but said he has not thought about it at all.
Steve Mason views himself as the wildcard among the five goalies here, but is confident that he can not only make this team but be the starter. He will also be asking Martin Brodeur for his autograph.
Marc Staal is more nervous about training camp in New York with John Tortorella than about this camp. He is excited to be here with his brothers, Eric and Jordan.
Marc-Andre Fleury said he is still "speechless" about winning the Cup, but isn't sure about his chances of making this team. He called Martin Brodeur and Roberto Luongo established goalies, but says he doesn't worry if people now see him as one.
Milan Lucic feels his chances of making the team are better because the tournament will be played on a North American ice surface. He said he won't change the way he plays to try to make the team. He also plans on taking his physical play down a notch this week, but warns anybody going across the middle with their head down to watch out.
Luongo said contrary to popular belief he is not a lock to make the team. He also seems stressed about his contract situation. "I am the goalie, not the GM. All I can do is play hard, play the best I can play, and after that let the chips fall where they may."
We are waiting for Cam Ward and Eric Staal to arrive now. Should be any moment now.
- Dan Rosen
On the scene in Calgary
08.24.2009 / 12:45 PM ET
After a long evening of travel and an early morning arrival in Calgary, I am here for the big event of the summer when it comes to hockey in Canada: The National Men's Team Olympic Orientation Camp.
Myself, Matt Coe and Veronica Paone, who are both from NHL Studios, are heading out to the airport now to greet some of the "campers." And, yes, before you ask it is indeed weird to call million-dollar athletes "campers." Though Drew Doughty and Steve Mason aren't in that tax bracket yet, so we can get away with it.
Some of the 46 players arrived in town yesterday and 25 more are getting in today. The first practice isn't until tonight, but the players' schedules are packed. We, the media, will have a press conference at 4:45 MT with Steve Yzerman, Mike Babcock, Bob Nicholson and Johnny Misley.
Lots to cover here and we are all over it. This blog will be populated with posts, both short and long, throughout the week. Keep on coming back for more. I also plan on live blogging the Red-White scrimmage on Thursday night.
- Dan Rosen
Dustin on defense?
08.19.09 / 4:36 PM ET
If Chicago Blackhawks forward Dustin Byfuglien does secure a roster spot for Team USA at the 2010 Olympics, don't be surprised if he sees some time along the blue line.
Team USA General Manager Brian Burke made that point on Wednesday when discussing the players invited to the orientation camp here at Seven Bridges Ice Arena. Burke, who was extremely pleased with how well the three-day camp went, was also impressed with this young group's versatility.
That includes Byfuglien, a 6-foot-3, 247-pound wing who was drafted by the Blackhawks in the eighth round of the 2003 draft (No. 245 overall) as a defenseman. The native of Minneapolis, Minn., would eventually be moved to forward to provide the club with a larger body in the slot.
Byfuglien would have no problem manning the blue line if he was called upon to play that role.
"If I got a few practices and games on defense before I went there it wouldn't really bother me," Byfuglien said. "We're always learning and I always watch the forwards and the defensemen out there. If I make this team, I'll play wherever they want me to, whether it's forward or defense -- so long as it's not goalie."
-- Mike G. Morreale
Just a bit outside
08.19.09 / 4:24 PM ET
Tim Thomas grinned when asked how Mike Modano faired on his ceremonial first pitch just prior to the White Sox playing host to the Kansas City Royals Tuesday at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago.
It seems Thomas was expecting a little more speed from Modano.
"I was expecting more of a fastball," Thomas said. "His throw was a little Obama-ish, but at least he made it all the way to the plate."
Thomas was of course referring to President Barack Obama's not-so-perfect strike before the All-Star Game in St. Louis last month.
New Jersey defenseman Paul Martin also had some unkind words, suggesting there was a little too much loft on Modano's offering and joking that Modano would have been better off just throwing the pitch underhand.
Modano was more than satisfied with his throw.
"There was no pressure," Modano said. "It just tossed in there really easy, that's all. It got there in the air, so I'm happy with that, because I'd never live that down if I didn't."
--Shawn P. Roarke and Mike G. Morreale
Plenty of eyes on Komisarek
08.19.2009 / 12:55 PM ET
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Mike Komisarek is a center of attention this week at the 2009 Men's Olympic Orientation Camp.
Not only is Komisarek out to prove he would be a solid choice for Team USA at the 2010 Olympics, but he also is under the watchful eye of Leafs coach Ron Wilson and GM Brian Burke.
"I've come to this camp to prepare the right way and get off to a good start," Komisarek said. "When I signed in Toronto, the first thing I wanted to do was make a good first impression and come into camp in great shape and work my butt off. I want to make a good first impression."
On Wednesday, Burke reiterated what he has been saying all along -- that Komisarek has what it takes to become a leader for Team USA in Vancouver.
"I think we're underdogs going into a tournament like this, but our belief and attitude has to be that you we can go to Vancouver and win," Komisarek said. "I think when you share that belief with a group of guys in such a short tournament, things happen. Anything can happen. Who's to say we can't go to Vancouver and win the gold medal."
Wilson has seen the competitive verve in Komisarek during the three-day camp despite the fact practice sessions have been limited to skating and puck movement -- there's no contact which is Komisarek's bread-and-butter.
"He's very energetic and has great leadership qualities and can move on the ice very well," Wilson said. "I'm looking forward to having him on the team and he'll be a huge help -- he has a really aggressive attitude. Here's an American kid who has played in Montreal, becomes a free agent, and signs with Toronto. He has to relish this type of pressure atmosphere we play in and that's good."
--Mike G. Morreale
Paul Martin update
08/19/2009 / 12:25 PM ET
Contrary to what was posted previously by me in this blog, Paul Martin did not skate here Monday.
Martin tweaked his hamstring last week while doing some track work near his offseason home.
"It's good," Martin told NHL.com while his teammates were on the ice Wednesday morning. "I could skate today. (The injury) was from doing some running and it's been sore. They just thought with the way camp is -- we're not scrimmaging or doing anything like that, just something to get the guys together -- they figured to just not push it and let me get ready for (New) Jersey camp."
--Shawn P. Roarke
Tortorella can't wait
08.19.2009 / 12:10 PM ET
John Tortorella addressed the media here Tuesday afternoon and admitted that he is dying to run his first camp as coach of the New York Rangers.
Tortorella was a late-season replacement for Tom Renney and led the Rangers into the playoffs as the Eastern Conference's No. 7 seed. There, the team lost in a memorable seven-game series with the Washington Capitals.
"It was a sprint when we first came in," Tortorella said. "You don't want to hurt the players, but we were fighting for our lives to get in and there was so many things going on around the team at that time. As a coach, you have to make sure you're not going to hurt your club even more by adding too much; so we tried to do it a little by little.
"But the real part of it is when we have our own camp. That's when you can instill how we want to play, what our mindset should be and conditioning -- which I think was a weakness of the club."
He will begin addressing all those things when training camp opens in early September.
"I have been ready to go for a couple of months now," he laughed. "I just want to get up to New York and get going."
When training camp opens, Tortorella will see a familiar face from his past in winger Vinny Prospal, who signed a one-year deal with the Rangers earlier this month after being bought out by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Prospal had 33 goals two years ago with Philadelphia, but slumped to just 19 last season.
Tortorella and Prospal won the Stanley Cup together with the Lightning in 2004 and have a long -- sometimes contentious -- history.
"I've coached him and we have had some battles along the way, but he still has talent," Tortorella said. "I think he has something to prove and Vinny Prospal is a pretty damn good player when he has something to prove.
"He's a pain sometimes, but it doesn't matter. I guess it's a good intensity that he has. I think he can help us. He has some offensive skill and with the change of our team -- we walked away from (forward Nik) Zherdev -- he's a guy that can play two positions. It's a good signing, it's a one-year deal and it's not a bunch of money. This guy has something to prove and I think he is a pretty good player when he has that attitude."
-- Shawn P. Roarke
Tough week for Kessel
08.19.2009 / 11:55 AM ET
USA Hockey's Olympic Men's Orientation camp hasn't been ideal for Boston Bruins forward Phil Kessel.
Recovering from off-season shoulder surgery, Kessel has been limited to off-ice activities throughout his four-day stay in Chicago. Plus, he still has the issue of being unsigned hanging over his head.
A restricted free agent, Kessel has been linked in several deals -- most notably a move to Toronto for Tomas Kaberle that was all the rage in Montreal during the 2009 Entry Draft.
No new deal appears to be on the horizon, but Kessel said Wednesday that he is not bothered as much by the stalemate as he is about rehabbing his shoulder and the forced inactivity that process has brought about.
"Obviously you think about it a little bit, but obviously it's not a big issue," Kessel said of the contract issues. "You don't worry about it because, obviously, it is going to get done at some time."
Kessel did admit he would love to have a done deal, but said he has learned to stay patient.
"It would make it a lot easier to know, but it's not the end of the world," he said. "The season doesn't start for another month and a half or so."
The other injured player here at camp, New Jersey defenseman Paul Martin, also did not skate Wednesday. He is nursing a sore hamstring and has not skated since the first practice of this camp on Monday.
--Shawn P. Roarke
Ron Wilson: DiPietro not out of the mix yet
08.18.2009 / 7:20 PM ET
Team USA coach Ron Wilson informed the media on Tuesday that New York Islanders oft-injured goalie Rick DiPietro shouldn't be forgotten.
"Ricky would have been considered for this camp but right now he's still rehabbing (following two knee surgeries) and is a couple of months away," Wilson said. "But don't be surprised if he doesn't battle his way back into the mix. My feeling is while we may not be as deep as other teams, in terms of talent, we're just about as good as anyone."
DiPietro was limited to five appearances with the Islanders last season and finished with a 3.52 goals-against average and .892 save percentage. DiPietro has had three operations over the course of one year, including hip and left knee surgery.
"He's working as hard as he can right now and we realize he has to get ready for the Isles and that's his priority at this stage," Wilson said. "Once the season starts, we'll see how he is."
Wilson was also quick to note that Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick could surprise a lot of people this season.
"Jonathan is an up-and-comer and those who have watched him play know how unbelievable a goalie he is," he said. "We'll be reading about him in the future. If the three goalies currently in our camp (Quick, Tim Thomas and Ryan Miller) are in a dead heat at the time we need to make our decisions for Team USA, we'll have to factor in how each goalie has performed in past playoffs and how they each handled that pressure."
-- Mike G. Morreale
Better safe than sorry
08.18.2009 / 4:55 PM ET
Paul Martin did not take part in the on-ice workouts Tuesday.
"He tweaked his hamstring running on a track here in Minnesota as part of his training program," Wilson said Tuesday afternoon. "He could go on the ice, but we didn't come here to hurt anybody. So, he's doing a lot of off-ice stuff and paying attention in meetings and the other things that we have scheduled."
It's unclear at this time if Martin will take part in Wednesday's on-ice session. But, the other 33 players will all be on the Seven Bridges Ice Arena surface tomorrow at 10:30 a.m., a departure from the split-session format that was used the first two days.
-- Shawn P. Roarke
Take me out to the ballgame
08.18.2009 / 10:59 AM ET
The NHL.com crew is back at it for Day 2 of the 2009 Men's Olympic Orientation Camp here at Seven Bridges Ice Arena. NHL player's association executive director Paul Kelly and USA Hockey executive director Dave Ogrean opened with a statement regarding the OneGoal Equipment donation from the NHLPA Goals & Dreams Program.
USA Hockey director Dave Fischer also informed everyone that all 34 players at the camp will take in tonight's baseball game at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago between the White Sox and Kansas City Royals. Olympic hopefuls Mike Modano and Dustin Byfuglien will be on the mound to throw out the first pitch. Modano would actually be throwing out the pitch but Byfuglien will join him on the mound -- seniority wins out here.
-- Mike G. Morreale
Chelios in the house
08.18.2009 / 10:54 AM ET
Chris Chelios would love to be among the 34 players out on the Seven Bridges Ice Arena surface competing for a place on the 2010 Olympic team. But that's not happening for the 47-year-old defenseman, who also is looking for a NHL job as an unrestricted free agent.
Instead Chelios is here as a special assistant. Monday, he took the ice and helped put the players through the paces. But his main job is to serve as a sounding board and a "tribal storyteller," for the young players, according to Team USA coach Ron Wilson.
"I certainly believe in mentoring," Wilson said Monday. "Obviously, having Chelli involved in the role as special assistant (is part of that).
"He still wants to play (in the NHL), so I don't know what his role is going to be. If he doesn't play, I'd like him to be what Joe Nieuwendyk was for me last year (in Toronto), a veteran that (the players) all greatly respect. You could make an argument that (Chelios) is the greatest American player. You could say Mike Modano, Pat Lafontaine, Jeremy Roenick. Chris has been in every one of these battles. He's a true warrior. He works. He was outskating some of our guys today."
Maybe Chelios, a famed workout fiend, was outskating some of the Olympian hopefuls because he was auditioning for a job with the Maple Leafs, the NHL home of Wilson and Team USA GM Brian Burke, who holds the same title in Toronto.
Wilson suggested as much in Monday afternoon's press conference.
"You get Chelli in the corner and he pulls you aside and he's like, '(Do) you guys have room in Toronto? You could use an extra defenseman. I know an American coach that would like to have a guy like me. You even get, 'Is there anyway I can make this (Olympic) team?'"
--Shawn P. Roarke
Parise on Parise
08.17.2009 / 7:29 PM ET
New Jersey Devils forward Zach Parise, who is rooming with Florida's David Booth during their participation at orientation camp at Seven Bridges Arena this week, has high hopes of playing on a similar international stage as his father.
Zach's father, J.P. Parise, was selected as a checking forward for Team Canada on a line with Wayne Cashman and Phil Esposito during the Summit Series of 1972. There, the elder Parise collected 2 goals and 4 points in six games.
"I admired his competitiveness -- that's what always stood out to me," Zach said of his father. "We have the box of DVD's of that Summit Series and I've watched him a few times. The way he competed on the ice was something special and hopefully, I'll be able to play on the same stage as he."
Just because J.P. was a member of Team Canada in '72, doesn't mean he'll be rooting for the Canadians in February.
"He's definitely rooting for the USA now," Zach said with the smile. "He's an American citizen and, not taking anything away from what he did with Canada because that was the highlight of his career, but he's pro-USA."
--Mike G. Morreale
Former Olympians receive call from Burke
08.17.2009 / 7:17 PM ET
Team USA General Manager Brian Burke actually contacted former Olympians Jeremy Roenick, Keith Tkachuk and Billy Guerin to inform them of the decisions that were made when constructing the men's Olympic orientation camp this week.
"We've been the beneficiaries of a generation of American players who were just marvelous workers for us," Burke said. "They not only showed up when asked, but accomplished a lot and played at a high level. We're fortunate to have had that generation of player, but we have to turn the page. I think they (Roenick, Tkachuk and Guerin) deserved a phone call from the GM explaining what was happening and they were grateful for that."
--Mike G. Morreale
Let's have fun!
08.17.2009 / 3:36 PM ET
Team USA GM Brian Burke couldn't have made it more clear Monday morning that the 34 players gathered here for this three-day camp were not trying out for the Olympic team. That process will occur during the first four months of the NHL season as the players are scouted by Team USA's many evaluators.
"This is not a tryout camp, we're not scrimmaging," Burke said. "This is an orientation camp."
For Burke, he envisions the next 72 hours as an opportunity to bring a mostly young, very disparate group together as a more cohesive unit.
"We started team building this morning," Burke said. "This morning on the bus ride over, each player had to introduce his roommate and tell the group one thing about that player that no one knows."
The team certainly had a lot of time for that particular team-building exercise turned a 40-minute ride into one that lasted nearly 90 minutes. But the team-building process continued throughout the morning as Team USA coach Ron Wilson believes team unity is the best possible outcome of these three days.
"Practices in August aren't going to win the Olympics, this is about a mindset and a philosophy," Wilson said. "We're trying to build a team and some camaraderie; trying to put in a mindset into our team of how we want to play and compete. Beyond that, the most important thing is that we pledge to get to know each other because you can't ever become a team unless you trust the guys to the left, right, front and center. That's what we are trying to establish here."
The players are pretty glad that they aren't being judged by their performances here. More than one player admitted Monday morning that they were shaking off some considerable rust.
"It's just a little tune-up to get the hands going," said Ryan Miller, one of the three goalies on hand. I whiffed on a few shots out there (today). Like I said, it was just a chance to get the hands going. We'll start worrying about being a world-class goalie in a month or so."
-- Shawn P. Roarke
Kane speaks
08.17.2009 / 11:45 AM ET
Patrick Kane just made a short prepared statement before the start of practice. He was flanked by Team USA GM Brian Burke and Chicago Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman.
He addressed the legal situation he faces in Buffalo where he and his cousin, James Kane, were recently charged with felony robbery and misdemeanor counts of theft and criminal mischief. The incident allegedly occurred in a dispute with a taxi driver about fare.
Kane spoke for 50 seconds Monday morning, stepping to the podium in a black sport coat with a white T-shirt underneath.
"I have been very lucky to achieve every kid's dream to play in the National Hockey League while working for a great organization like the Chicago Blackhawks. Now I also have a chance to play my country, a dream come true for myself and my family.
"I know everyone wants to talk about what happened in Buffalo. As you know, the legal proceedings are pending and I cannot discuss the details at this time. Because I put myself to be in the wrong position at the wrong time, I've caused a lot of pain for my family, my hometown of Buffalo, the city of Chicago, the Chicago Blackhawks and obviously the great fans we have here in Chicago. For that part, I sincerely apologize.
"Now, it is time for me to move forward. I'm excited to get back to the ice and represent the Chicago Blackhawks and the United States Olympic hockey team. Thank you."
Burke also briefly addressed the Kane situation, saying this incident would not affect his status with the Olympic team and that he feels that Kane is focused and ready to go in this camp.
The other players from Group 2 are now being made available. We'll have more on NHL.com about Kane's appearance later.
-- Shawn Roarke
NHL.com in the house
08.17.2009 / 10:20 AM ET
We're on site at Seven Bridges Ice Arena in Woodridge, Ill. By we, I mean Mike Morreale and myself, as well as Josh and Jason from NHL Studios. We'll have all the news from the United States Olympic Men's Orientation Camp going on here for the next three days.
Here's the first piece of news: There is a lot of traffic in the Chicago area. The players are late arriving today because of traffic issues. By rights, it should be a 45-minute trek from downtown to Woodridge, but it took us twice that long. Good thing we left at 7:15 a.m.
Patrick Kane is supposed to speak this morning and then the players will hit the ice for on-ice sessions. The players are split into two groups and each will skate for an hour. Coach Ron Wilson will speak after the second group finishes its on-ice session.
The other piece of news coming out of today will be the debut of the Team USA jerseys for the 2010 Olympics this morning. The players will take the ice this morning wearing one of three versions of the 2010 Nike Olympic jersey.
--Shawn P. Roarke
11.17.2009 / 10:31 PM ET
Interesting news coming out of Ornskoldsvik today. It appears Markus Naslund is interested in playing again and has gone into training in the hopes of joining Peter Forsberg on Modo, the team both played for as teenagers before coming to North America.
You can read the story here.
Forsberg has been very open about the fact that he is making his latest comeback from foot woes in order to impress Team Sweden management enough earn consideration for the Olympics this February. Is it unreasonable to expect that Naslund could also enter into the national team picture if he plays well for Modo during the next month?
Sweden officially announces its roster on Dec. 27, so Naslund has a little more than five weeks to make an impression. It seems an unlikely task, but it is certainly not impossible.
By the way, if you want to see how NHL.com envisions the Team Sweden roster shaking out come late December, check out this story where NHL.com staff writer Adam Kimelman played Team Sweden GM for the day.
--Shawn P. Roarke
Lidstrom still undecided
11.04.2009 / 4:18 PM ET
Would Nicklas Lidstrom actually say no to Sweden?
It's possible.
Lidstrom told NHL.com today at the end of phone interview centered mostly around the Hall of Fame induction of Steve Yzerman that he is still not sure if he's going to help Sweden defend its gold medal in Vancouver.
"That'll come later," Lidstrom said. "I haven't really decided yet on what to do. I think that'll come later."
Lidstrom is weighing several factors in his decision, most notably his overall health.
He wants to make sure he's healthy for the Detroit Red Wings down the stretch run of the NHL season, and isn't so sure that playing an extra six extremely intense and extraordinarily critiqued games is the best thing.
"I was banged up over the summer, so I just want to make sure I'm healthy enough that I'm able to play in such a big tournament like that, where the best players in the world are participating," Lidstrom said.
All things being equal, I'd be shocked if Lidstrom says no to his home country. It's most likely his last chance to win at the international level.
However, we'll know in due time.
-- Dan Rosen
NOTE: We're back! After a long layoff to attend to the opening of the season and the Premiere Games, among other things, NHL.com is reviving its Road to Vancouver blog to document all the news leading up to, and including, the hockey tournament in February. We've kept all of NHL.com's coverage from both the USA and Canada orientation camps this summer in this blog, so you can refer back. Keep this page bookmarked for all of your Olympic hockey news.
100 days and counting
11.04.2009 / 10:23 AM ET
It may seem like a long time -- 100 days -- but the XXI Winter Olympics will be here in no time. Consider that we have been waiting for more than 1,200 days since Sweden took gold in Torino and 100 days is like the blink of an eye.
As a result, the Olympic news is starting to fly in at a rapid pace.
The United States Olympic Committee had a huge Olympic festival Wednesday at Rockefeller Center, just two blocks from NHL.com's office space. Current candidate David Backes of the St. Louis Blues was on hand, as were 1980 luminaries Jim Craig, Steve Janaszak and Mike Eurizione and the leading scorer from the 1960 gold medal-winning club, Bill Cleary. Vladimir Miyskin, Russia's back-up goalie in 1980, was also on hand for a cool on-ice ceremony at Rock Center.
NHL.com staff writers Mike Morreale and Dave Lozo will have more from today's activities on NHL.com.
Also of note today was the IIHF announcing the dates on which each of the 12 men's Olympic teams will announce their final rosters. Rocky Bonanno has all those details in his NHL.com story.
Team USA will be the last team to announce, making its selection on national TV during NBC's broadcast of the 2010 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic from Fenway Park in Boston.
Canada will go a day earlier, announcing its roster from the World Junior Championships in Regina, Sask.
Finland and the Czech Republic will both name rosters on Dec. 30. Sweden plans to announce on Dec. 27 and Russia will give fans an extra present by announcing on Christmas Day.
-- Shawn P. Roarke
NOTE: I will be doing a live blog of tonight's Red-White scrimmage. I will move to this blog link at 7 p.m. ET (5 p.m. MT) to start the live blog. Follow along with me as I take you through all that goes on tonight at the Pengrowth Saddledome here in Calgary. -- Dan Rosen
Win the close ones
08.27.2009 / 3:30 PM ET
The Canadian men's Olympic hockey team has seen it all in the past eight years -- ticker tape in 2002, tar and feathers in 2006.
Jarome Iginla, tabbed as a possible Canadian captain for the upcoming 2010 Vancouver Winter Games, has negotiated those peaks and valleys.
He was hailed as a hero at Salt Lake City for his two-goal tour de force in the 5-2, gold-medal-winning decision against the host Americans. He, alongside the likes of Vinny Lecavalier, Joe Thornton, Dany Heatley and Joe Sakic, also felt the fury of Canadian hockey fans for an acute lack of production in Turin.
Canada's final four results at the 2006 Games?
Switzerland 2, Canada 0 !!!
Finland 2, Canada 0
Canada 3, Czech Republic 2
Russia 2, Canada 0 in a quarter-final
The Calgary Flames' captain says there's a lesson to be learned there.
"Part of is preparation for the fact that there are going to be close games," said Iginla on Thursday morning at Calgary's Pengrowth Saddledome. "We're going to try and be as prepared as we can be, and still be very confident. We believe we can win that gold medal, and that Canada's going to have a great team.
"Those countries are prepared too," added the 32-year-old from St. Albert, Alta. "We've all played for Canada at different times, and there are going to be close games.
"Unfortunately, at the last Olympics, those close games didn't go our way. We're going to find ways to win those ones this time."
-- Todd Kimberley
Outdoor fun
08.27.2009 / 3:04 PM ET
Upon their arrival at this orientation camp, the San Jose Sharks' Joe Thornton and Dan Boyle were lamenting the loss of their golf clubs in transit.
"The most important things," said Jumbo Joe.
"I'm all choked up," quipped Boyle.
It wasn't all work in Calgary this week. Besides hitting the links in an organized event on Tuesday, some players took advantage of the world-class rainbow trout fishing in the Bow River.
"It was great to have these team-building activities," said Corey Perry of the Anaheim Ducks. "We've had a couple of dinners. Played some golf. Some guys went fishing yesterday and this morning. "Those are all great things that help a team get closer."
-- Todd Kimberley
Nash and 'The Kid'
08.27.2009 / 12:50 PM ET
Rick Nash and Sidney Crosby. Canadian hockey fans should get used to that pairing.
Barring any unforeseen development, I find it hard to believe that Mike Babcock won't put Crosby and Nash together on the same line to open the Olympics. Both players appear to be locks to make this club and Babcock even said Wednesday that he likes the way that pair looks.
They have been together throughout camp and I expect them to play together in the Red-White scrimmage tonight.
"The first couple of days have been fun," Nash said. "Obviously it's not a game situation, but I found just going to the net with your stick down the puck ends up right on it."
Nash, though, wasn't effusive with his praise of Crosby. He called him a "special player," but also "just one of 46." There are only 44 on the ice this week as Ryan Getzlaf is watching from the stands and Simon Gagne was sent home with a groin strain.
"He's a teammate and a linemate now and you don't look at him any different than that," Nash said when asked if he sees Crosby in a different light now that No. 87 raised the Cup. "Sidney has that prestige about him with the things that he's achieved. It is fun to play with him, but there are so many good players you can find chemistry with any of them."
Nash, though, has apparently found that chemistry with Crosby. Look for it in Vancouver.
-- Dan Rosen
Experiencing Babcock
08.26.2009 / 9:26 PM ET
Dan Cleary told me tonight that he is the most comfortable guy here at Canada's orientation camp, otherwise known as the Mike Babcock Show.
"I know every drill, every situation, every breakout, power play and penalty kill," the only Red Wing in camp said. "All this is exactly what I have been taught and learned the last five years."
The rest of the guys? Not so much. They are all getting their first taste of Babcock and it's been eye opening to say the least.
"You know what, he's intense, he knows exactly what he wants and you need to know exactly what he wants," Shane Doan said. "If you're wrong it's going to be something that he's going to make sure you know you did it wrong and he'll be there to help you."
Earlier in the week, Sidney Crosby said he had a newfound appreciation for Babcock. Most every player has touched on the same thing.
And, truth be told, it's been a joy to watch Babcock coach this week. Right from the get-go he showed how serious he was and made it abundantly clear that this is his team. Not five minutes into the first practice session he was barking out orders.
Nothing has changed. The guy sweats it out for his country, that's for sure.
"I think it's of the utmost importance that they know this is his team," Lindy Ruff said. "We're his staff and I relish that opportunity. It's a great opportunity. I think the chemistry on the coaching staff is great. You have four guys that are going to work extremely hard for each other."
-- Dan Rosen
White out at the Saddledome
08.26.2009 / 5:17 PM ET
We are back in the Saddledome for the afternoon practice sessions and the White group is on the ice. Hockey Canada has released the lines for today and they are as follows:
White
Nash-Crosby-St. Louis
Toews-Richards-Iginla
Morrow-McDonald-Heatley
J. Staal-Doan
Niedermayer-Weber
Bouwmeester-Burns
Keith-Green
Beauchemin-M. Staal
Brodeur
Fleury
Red
Marleau-Lecavalier-Cleary
Smyth-Spezza-Sharp
E. Staal-Thornton-Carter
Lucic-Roy-Perry
Pronger-Boyle
Regehr-Doughty
Phaneuf-Seabrook
Hamhuis-Robidas
Luongo
Ward
Mason
-- Dan Rosen
Lucic: Savard will not be affected
08.26.2009 / 2:35 PM ET
Bruins center Marc Savard was the surprise omission last month when Hockey Canada announced the list of 46 players it invited to this week's orientation camp. When Joe Sakic retired and subsequently had to be taken off the list, Savard was again bypassed, this time in favor of Jason Spezza. After Ryan Getzlaf had surgery late last month, taking him off the ice this week, Savard was again shutout. Hockey Canada chose to go with 45 skaters instead of 46.
What does Milan Lucic, Savard's teammate and lone Bruins' representative here in Calgary this week, think of all that? Well, he's surprised that Savard isn't here, but doesn't think No. 91 will be crying come training camp.
"Him not being here, I don't think it means he's 100 percent off the radar," Lucic said. "If he still plays the way he does, you never know, he could get the call even though he's not here. I think more than anything he's going to have a great start to the season and he's not going to pout or let this affect him. He's going to play well for us."
At the time Hockey Canada revealed the initial list, Steve Yzerman said Savard didn't make the cut because they wanted to bring a well rounded, balanced group of players that can do many different things. Ironically, Lucic falls into that category.
-- Dan Rosen
Hitchcock lauds Babcock
08.26.2009 / 9:58 AM ET
As the head coach of the 2010 Canadian men's Olympic effort, Mike Babcock will be subject to endless streams of second-guessing across Canada, from now through Feb. 28.
None of it will come from Ken Hitchcock.
After a couple of days of practice at this Canadian orientation camp, 'Hitch' loves what he sees from his Central Division coaching counterpart.
"He's a super-A-type personality," grinned Hitchcock to a round of laughter. "He's a very focused, intense individual, and he doesn't move on anywhere until it’s done.
"It’s like the way he runs practice, the way we're doing things right now," added the bench boss of the Columbus Blue Jackets. "We're moving ahead, and if it's not done right, he doesn't care what the name(plate) says on the back, what your number is, where you’re from, who you play for — he treats everybody the same.
"You've got to do the job. When he says you've got to play on 200 feet, you've got to play on 200 feet. And when the discussions on the personnel come, he’s going to be very determined that his voice is going to be heard.
"He wants to trust players," said Hitchcock. "There's trusting as far as work and skill, and then there's trusting as far as the commitment to play in the full 200 feet. Because the game we want to put out there has got a lot of pressure in it, a lot of skating in it, and a lot of focus on it. There's no resting on the ice with the way he wants to play."
-- Todd Kimberley
Is Marleau just putting on a happy face?
08/25/2009 / 7:47 PM ET
Patrick Marleau faced a good round of questioning Monday about the story that broke a few weeks back about the Sharks taking the C off his sweater. Even though it seems like such a slap in the face, Marleau said he was OK with the decision made by management to put the C up for grabs, but you have to wonder if he was being totally truthful.
My gut feeling is he wasn't, but he's smart enough to know that he doesn't gain a thing by coming out and publicly lambasting the team for it's public embarrassment of him.
However, when asked if he has been asked to waive his no-trade clause, Marleau said, "I'd like to keep that private." And, when a reporter asked him if he was surprised that GM Doug Wilson didn't make moves this summer to change the culture in San Jose after last season's playoff flop, Marleau gave one of those 'just wait' looks.
"We had discussions and we're on the same page, we want to win the Stanley Cup and improve things to improve our chances," Marleau said. "The organization thinks this is one of the things we need to do and I'm all for that."
Marleau can't really believe what the Sharks did is the right thing, can he? If he has any pride at all -- and he most definitely does -- he has to think they're making a mistake in taking the C off his sweater.
"I can see where they're coming from and they can probably see where I'm coming from," he said.
Marleau is at least comforted knowing the decision, which was apparently made jointly by GM Doug Wilson and coach Todd McLellan, likely has nothing to do with his performance on the ice. He scored a career-high 38 goals in 2008-09, but the Sharks, who won the Presidents' Trophy, flamed out of the playoffs in just six games.
They were easily the team that got the least out of their talent.
"I think it's more about a feeling of the leadership group in the room and moving forward that way," Marleau said. "Obviously it's a great honor to be captain and it's good to have the pressure, but with all that being said having a letter on my sweater or not having a letter on my sweater is not going to change who I am in the locker room or what I do on the ice. It's all about us winning as a club and hopefully it plays out the way we want it to."
Marleau, though, admitted he puts a lot of the blame for the playoff disaster on his shoulders because he was the captain and ultimately the man responsible to answer all the questions about what went so wrong after everything looked so rosy.
"There are consequences for that," he said. "I do take a lot of the blame because I was the captain and we didn't get as far as we wanted to. I think everybody knows we messed up and we have to right that wrong."
But will Marleau be a part of fixing the problem? Or, an even better question, does he want to be a part of the solution in San Jose after losing his C?
Neither has an easy answer right now, but we'll find out in due time.
-- Dan Rosen
Crosby compliments coach
08/25/2009 / 4:32 PM ET
He's lined up against Mike Babcock for hockey's ultimate prize two years running, but Sidney Crosby can't help but have infinite respect for the head coach of Canada's 2010 Olympic effort.
"I've learned a lot in two days here," said El Sid on Tuesday, referring to the direction of the Detroit Red Wings' bench boss. "I think, selfishly, we're all going to try and bring that stuff back to our own (NHL) teams.
"Mike's resume speaks for itself," added the Pittsburgh Penguins superstar, 22, who in June became the youngest captain in NHL history to win the Stanley Cup. "He's well respected by everyone.
"As far as the camp is concerned," stated Crosby, "he wanted to make sure he had everyone sharp and ready and executing well, because there's a lot to teach in a short period of time. Guys have been pretty attentive."
- Todd Kimberley
Changing of the guard
08/25/2009 / 4:15 PM ET
Martin Brodeur is gunning for his fourth and final Olympic appearance.
Still, after the 2006 debacle at Turin -- when the puckstopper from Montreal was one of the few very bright spots of a curiously lifeless Canadian squad -- Brodeur isn't surprised that a changing-of-the-guard appears to be taking place in time for the 2010 Games.
Of the 46 players invited to this week's Canadian men's team Olympic orientation camp at Calgary's Pengrowth Saddledome, 20 of them are aged 25 or younger.
"Well, these are the guys who are dominating the NHL right now," said Brodeur on Tuesday of the Canadian camp's kiddie corps, which includes Crosby, Jonathan Toews, Drew Doughty, Brent Seabrook, Corey Perry, Eric Staal and Mike Green.
"Obviously you've got to go with your best players, and these guys are top of the league," he added. "Definitely, there'll be somewhat of a change.
"It'll be interesting to see what the makeup of the team looks like."
- Todd Kimberley
Dominant trio
08/25/2009 / 3:44 PM ET
Crosby, Rick Nash of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Jarome Iginla of the Calgary Flames were once again thrown together on a line Tuesday morning during the white group's practice, and Babcock is impressed with what he sees.
"They're real talented players," he remarked. "Sid skates as well as anybody I've ever seen on the ice; I've never seen anything like that. He gives them tempo, bashes a big body, plays a good give-and-go game, goes to the net, he can really shoot and protect the puck.
"But we're a work in progress here. Let's be honest," added Babcock. "We changed up the 'D' pairs today, and we'll probably change up the forward lines for tomorrow.
"Sometimes, what you'd like us to tell you is who's on the team. Well, we don't know who's on the team. They're going to earn the right to be on the team. We're just going to watch them. We'll decide."
No later than Dec. 31.
- Todd Kimberley
Gagne sent home
08/25/2009 / 1:52 PM ET
Flyers forward Simon Gagne has been sent home. He apparently aggravated a groin or hip injury and can't skate.
Why he was sent home and exactly what the injury is are questions that Steve Yzerman and Mike Babcock will be answering later.
- Dan Rosen
Watching practice
08.25.2009 / 1:25 PM ET
The White grouping is on the Saddledome ice right now, but Simon Gagne is not with them. He is reportedly out for the rest of camp, but we will hopefully find out for sure after practice.
As for the combos out there, Sidney Crosby is again centering a lethal line between Rick Nash and Jarome Iginla. They skated together last night, too.
Mike Richards is skating between Dany Heatley and Brenden Morrow. The last five are mixed and matched, but Jonathan Toews and Jordan Staal are the centers with Shane Doan, Martin St. Louis and Andy McDonald as the wingers.
On defense, Scott Niedermayer and Marc Staal are together as are Duncan Keith and Shea Weber, Francois Beauchemin and Brent Burns as well as Mike Green and Jay Bouwmeester.
The goalies are Martin Brodeur and Marc-Andre Fleury.
-- Dan Rosen
Getzlaf in weird spot
08.25.2009 / 1:00 PM ET
Ryan Getzlaf gets to spend the week watching and that isn't sitting too well with the Ducks star center, who had sports hernia surgery late last month.
"I've never been on the outside," Getzlaf said. "It's a little bit different for me to mix in with the group when you're not able to go on the ice. It's a disappointing thing, especially it being my first time around. I'll make the best of it and try to learn from the guys here."
Getzlaf said he spoke several times to Team Canada's Executive Director Steve Yzerman prior to having his surgery and is confident it will not affect his opportunity to make this team. He said he will be getting back on the ice perhaps as early as next week and should be ready to play in the Ducks' last two exhibition games, putting him in line to start the season 100 percent healthy.
"Things are going really well so there is no reason to think otherwise," Getzlaf said.
Still, he would have preferred to be on the ice this week, but he had to make the decision to have the surgery keeping the Ducks in mind. That is, after all, the team that pays him.
"It was definitely my decision if I was going to do it or not and how it would affect me with this team," Getzlaf said. "I'm pretty sure it's not going to affect the way things go. I'm going to have to pay attention up close to watch practices so I can learn the stuff they're learning on the ice."
-- Dan Rosen
Babcock loves the attention
08.24.2009 / 10:30 PM ET
Mike Babcock said he received a text message from some of his friends at the lake earlier Monday saying, 'Why are you at camp? We picked the team already.'
It's been that kind of summer for Babcock. Everywhere he goes in this country -- and he has a lake house in Saskatchewan -- people are asking him and telling him who is going to be on the Canadian Men's Olympic Hockey Team.
"Everybody at my lake picked the team all summer," Babcock said. "People are into it and I think that's fantastic."
Babcock even lets some of the regular Joes in this country have their say, too.
"We auctioned off a fishing trip for kids' cancer and I flew back from Detroit to Saskatchewan for it and one night on the table I laid it all out for them," he said. "I figured they might as well get something for the trip. It was kind of fun. It was good. The plumbers had a lot of input for me."
Why all the fuss, though? Why does everybody want or feel they have an opinion or they should have a say in this?
Well, according to Babcock, it's quite simple.
"I'm Canadian and when you're born Canadian in my opinion it's like winning the lotto," he said. "You're in the greatest country I believe and you're playing the greatest game that the people have passion for. I love living in the U.S. My family is there and we have a great time there. We play in a great hockey environment, but you have to find those environments in the U.S. It's just across the country here and I think the passion for it is fantastic. It's that exciting here. It's that big of a deal.
"Thirty-seven million people are going to tune into every game. I think that's awesome."
-- Dan Rosen
Can I have your autograph, and your job?
08.24.2009 / 6:55 PM ET
Steve Mason grew up idolizing Martin Brodeur and today marked the first time Columbus' young goalie got the chance to meet his childhood hero. Before he did, though, Mason admitted he will be "starstruck" when the two shake hands and, yes, he will be asking Brodeur for his autograph at some point this week.
In the next few months he also hopes he can steal Brodeur's job as Canada's No. 1 goalie.
"That's something I will have to do aside from everything," Mason said upon arriving at the airport early this afternoon. "I talked to my buddies back home and I can't come to this camp, get a chance to meet him and not have that happen. I don't know how I'm going to approach it. I'll probably be starstruck when I see him."
Mason said he had pictures of Brodeur adorning his bedroom walls and he would always try to watch the New Jersey Devils play. He said he has been looking forward to meeting Brodeur for quite some time now.
"I grew up idolizing him so to be on the same ice surface going out for the same team is pretty special," Mason said. "I'm getting an opportunity to meet one of my idols so this is something like a dream come true. I'm looking forward to learning from him and watching him to see how he handles himself."
-- Dan Rosen
Heading back downtown
08.24.2009 / 3:42 PM ET
Our work at the airport is finished and we can't thank Hockey Canada enough. The opportunity to get to talk to these players before they hit the ice here was a boon for us all.
Here are some more updates:
Cam Ward wouldn't say that it's up to the other goalies here to knock Martin Brodeur off his perch, but you get the feeling that's what he is thinking. Ward said playing in the Olympics would be a nice substitution for never making one of Canada's World Jr. teams.
Dan Boyle is still steamed that he did not get to play in Torino and is out to make amends. Boyle, Jason Spezza and Eric Staal were extras. They sat in the stands and watched Canada finish sixth.
Patrick Marleau doesn't seem too irked that he had his "C" taken away in San Jose, but he also said he didn't want to comment when he was asked if the Sharks asked him to waive his no trade clause.
Brenden Morrow, who lost most of last season to a knee injury, says he is 100 percent healthy.
Ryan Getzlaf is sorry he can't skate here this week due to his recent sports hernia surgery. He will be ready for the start of the season and he doesn't think that not skating here will hurt his chances. He will be expected to watch closely, though.
More later.
- Dan Rosen
Airport arrivals
08.24.2009 / 2:16 PM ET
We have already gotten the chance to interview a number of players as they arrive at the airport and here is the gist:
Scott Niedermayer is more reflective now and definitely wants to be a part of this team. He is a favorite to be the captain, but said he has not thought about it at all.
Steve Mason views himself as the wildcard among the five goalies here, but is confident that he can not only make this team but be the starter. He will also be asking Martin Brodeur for his autograph.
Marc Staal is more nervous about training camp in New York with John Tortorella than about this camp. He is excited to be here with his brothers, Eric and Jordan.
Marc-Andre Fleury said he is still "speechless" about winning the Cup, but isn't sure about his chances of making this team. He called Martin Brodeur and Roberto Luongo established goalies, but says he doesn't worry if people now see him as one.
Milan Lucic feels his chances of making the team are better because the tournament will be played on a North American ice surface. He said he won't change the way he plays to try to make the team. He also plans on taking his physical play down a notch this week, but warns anybody going across the middle with their head down to watch out.
Luongo said contrary to popular belief he is not a lock to make the team. He also seems stressed about his contract situation. "I am the goalie, not the GM. All I can do is play hard, play the best I can play, and after that let the chips fall where they may."
We are waiting for Cam Ward and Eric Staal to arrive now. Should be any moment now.
- Dan Rosen
On the scene in Calgary
08.24.2009 / 12:45 PM ET
After a long evening of travel and an early morning arrival in Calgary, I am here for the big event of the summer when it comes to hockey in Canada: The National Men's Team Olympic Orientation Camp.
Myself, Matt Coe and Veronica Paone, who are both from NHL Studios, are heading out to the airport now to greet some of the "campers." And, yes, before you ask it is indeed weird to call million-dollar athletes "campers." Though Drew Doughty and Steve Mason aren't in that tax bracket yet, so we can get away with it.
Some of the 46 players arrived in town yesterday and 25 more are getting in today. The first practice isn't until tonight, but the players' schedules are packed. We, the media, will have a press conference at 4:45 MT with Steve Yzerman, Mike Babcock, Bob Nicholson and Johnny Misley.
Lots to cover here and we are all over it. This blog will be populated with posts, both short and long, throughout the week. Keep on coming back for more. I also plan on live blogging the Red-White scrimmage on Thursday night.
- Dan Rosen
Dustin on defense?
08.19.09 / 4:36 PM ET
If Chicago Blackhawks forward Dustin Byfuglien does secure a roster spot for Team USA at the 2010 Olympics, don't be surprised if he sees some time along the blue line.
Team USA General Manager Brian Burke made that point on Wednesday when discussing the players invited to the orientation camp here at Seven Bridges Ice Arena. Burke, who was extremely pleased with how well the three-day camp went, was also impressed with this young group's versatility.
That includes Byfuglien, a 6-foot-3, 247-pound wing who was drafted by the Blackhawks in the eighth round of the 2003 draft (No. 245 overall) as a defenseman. The native of Minneapolis, Minn., would eventually be moved to forward to provide the club with a larger body in the slot.
Byfuglien would have no problem manning the blue line if he was called upon to play that role.
"If I got a few practices and games on defense before I went there it wouldn't really bother me," Byfuglien said. "We're always learning and I always watch the forwards and the defensemen out there. If I make this team, I'll play wherever they want me to, whether it's forward or defense -- so long as it's not goalie."
-- Mike G. Morreale
Just a bit outside
08.19.09 / 4:24 PM ET
Tim Thomas grinned when asked how Mike Modano faired on his ceremonial first pitch just prior to the White Sox playing host to the Kansas City Royals Tuesday at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago.
It seems Thomas was expecting a little more speed from Modano.
"I was expecting more of a fastball," Thomas said. "His throw was a little Obama-ish, but at least he made it all the way to the plate."
Thomas was of course referring to President Barack Obama's not-so-perfect strike before the All-Star Game in St. Louis last month.
New Jersey defenseman Paul Martin also had some unkind words, suggesting there was a little too much loft on Modano's offering and joking that Modano would have been better off just throwing the pitch underhand.
Modano was more than satisfied with his throw.
"There was no pressure," Modano said. "It just tossed in there really easy, that's all. It got there in the air, so I'm happy with that, because I'd never live that down if I didn't."
--Shawn P. Roarke and Mike G. Morreale
Plenty of eyes on Komisarek
08.19.2009 / 12:55 PM ET
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Mike Komisarek is a center of attention this week at the 2009 Men's Olympic Orientation Camp.
Not only is Komisarek out to prove he would be a solid choice for Team USA at the 2010 Olympics, but he also is under the watchful eye of Leafs coach Ron Wilson and GM Brian Burke.
"I've come to this camp to prepare the right way and get off to a good start," Komisarek said. "When I signed in Toronto, the first thing I wanted to do was make a good first impression and come into camp in great shape and work my butt off. I want to make a good first impression."
On Wednesday, Burke reiterated what he has been saying all along -- that Komisarek has what it takes to become a leader for Team USA in Vancouver.
"I think we're underdogs going into a tournament like this, but our belief and attitude has to be that you we can go to Vancouver and win," Komisarek said. "I think when you share that belief with a group of guys in such a short tournament, things happen. Anything can happen. Who's to say we can't go to Vancouver and win the gold medal."
Wilson has seen the competitive verve in Komisarek during the three-day camp despite the fact practice sessions have been limited to skating and puck movement -- there's no contact which is Komisarek's bread-and-butter.
"He's very energetic and has great leadership qualities and can move on the ice very well," Wilson said. "I'm looking forward to having him on the team and he'll be a huge help -- he has a really aggressive attitude. Here's an American kid who has played in Montreal, becomes a free agent, and signs with Toronto. He has to relish this type of pressure atmosphere we play in and that's good."
--Mike G. Morreale
Paul Martin update
08/19/2009 / 12:25 PM ET
Contrary to what was posted previously by me in this blog, Paul Martin did not skate here Monday.
Martin tweaked his hamstring last week while doing some track work near his offseason home.
"It's good," Martin told NHL.com while his teammates were on the ice Wednesday morning. "I could skate today. (The injury) was from doing some running and it's been sore. They just thought with the way camp is -- we're not scrimmaging or doing anything like that, just something to get the guys together -- they figured to just not push it and let me get ready for (New) Jersey camp."
--Shawn P. Roarke
Tortorella can't wait
08.19.2009 / 12:10 PM ET
John Tortorella addressed the media here Tuesday afternoon and admitted that he is dying to run his first camp as coach of the New York Rangers.
Tortorella was a late-season replacement for Tom Renney and led the Rangers into the playoffs as the Eastern Conference's No. 7 seed. There, the team lost in a memorable seven-game series with the Washington Capitals.
"It was a sprint when we first came in," Tortorella said. "You don't want to hurt the players, but we were fighting for our lives to get in and there was so many things going on around the team at that time. As a coach, you have to make sure you're not going to hurt your club even more by adding too much; so we tried to do it a little by little.
"But the real part of it is when we have our own camp. That's when you can instill how we want to play, what our mindset should be and conditioning -- which I think was a weakness of the club."
He will begin addressing all those things when training camp opens in early September.
"I have been ready to go for a couple of months now," he laughed. "I just want to get up to New York and get going."
When training camp opens, Tortorella will see a familiar face from his past in winger Vinny Prospal, who signed a one-year deal with the Rangers earlier this month after being bought out by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Prospal had 33 goals two years ago with Philadelphia, but slumped to just 19 last season.
Tortorella and Prospal won the Stanley Cup together with the Lightning in 2004 and have a long -- sometimes contentious -- history.
"I've coached him and we have had some battles along the way, but he still has talent," Tortorella said. "I think he has something to prove and Vinny Prospal is a pretty damn good player when he has something to prove.
"He's a pain sometimes, but it doesn't matter. I guess it's a good intensity that he has. I think he can help us. He has some offensive skill and with the change of our team -- we walked away from (forward Nik) Zherdev -- he's a guy that can play two positions. It's a good signing, it's a one-year deal and it's not a bunch of money. This guy has something to prove and I think he is a pretty good player when he has that attitude."
-- Shawn P. Roarke
Tough week for Kessel
08.19.2009 / 11:55 AM ET
USA Hockey's Olympic Men's Orientation camp hasn't been ideal for Boston Bruins forward Phil Kessel.
Recovering from off-season shoulder surgery, Kessel has been limited to off-ice activities throughout his four-day stay in Chicago. Plus, he still has the issue of being unsigned hanging over his head.
A restricted free agent, Kessel has been linked in several deals -- most notably a move to Toronto for Tomas Kaberle that was all the rage in Montreal during the 2009 Entry Draft.
No new deal appears to be on the horizon, but Kessel said Wednesday that he is not bothered as much by the stalemate as he is about rehabbing his shoulder and the forced inactivity that process has brought about.
"Obviously you think about it a little bit, but obviously it's not a big issue," Kessel said of the contract issues. "You don't worry about it because, obviously, it is going to get done at some time."
Kessel did admit he would love to have a done deal, but said he has learned to stay patient.
"It would make it a lot easier to know, but it's not the end of the world," he said. "The season doesn't start for another month and a half or so."
The other injured player here at camp, New Jersey defenseman Paul Martin, also did not skate Wednesday. He is nursing a sore hamstring and has not skated since the first practice of this camp on Monday.
--Shawn P. Roarke
Ron Wilson: DiPietro not out of the mix yet
08.18.2009 / 7:20 PM ET
Team USA coach Ron Wilson informed the media on Tuesday that New York Islanders oft-injured goalie Rick DiPietro shouldn't be forgotten.
"Ricky would have been considered for this camp but right now he's still rehabbing (following two knee surgeries) and is a couple of months away," Wilson said. "But don't be surprised if he doesn't battle his way back into the mix. My feeling is while we may not be as deep as other teams, in terms of talent, we're just about as good as anyone."
DiPietro was limited to five appearances with the Islanders last season and finished with a 3.52 goals-against average and .892 save percentage. DiPietro has had three operations over the course of one year, including hip and left knee surgery.
"He's working as hard as he can right now and we realize he has to get ready for the Isles and that's his priority at this stage," Wilson said. "Once the season starts, we'll see how he is."
Wilson was also quick to note that Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick could surprise a lot of people this season.
"Jonathan is an up-and-comer and those who have watched him play know how unbelievable a goalie he is," he said. "We'll be reading about him in the future. If the three goalies currently in our camp (Quick, Tim Thomas and Ryan Miller) are in a dead heat at the time we need to make our decisions for Team USA, we'll have to factor in how each goalie has performed in past playoffs and how they each handled that pressure."
-- Mike G. Morreale
Better safe than sorry
08.18.2009 / 4:55 PM ET
Paul Martin did not take part in the on-ice workouts Tuesday.
"He tweaked his hamstring running on a track here in Minnesota as part of his training program," Wilson said Tuesday afternoon. "He could go on the ice, but we didn't come here to hurt anybody. So, he's doing a lot of off-ice stuff and paying attention in meetings and the other things that we have scheduled."
It's unclear at this time if Martin will take part in Wednesday's on-ice session. But, the other 33 players will all be on the Seven Bridges Ice Arena surface tomorrow at 10:30 a.m., a departure from the split-session format that was used the first two days.
-- Shawn P. Roarke
Take me out to the ballgame
08.18.2009 / 10:59 AM ET
The NHL.com crew is back at it for Day 2 of the 2009 Men's Olympic Orientation Camp here at Seven Bridges Ice Arena. NHL player's association executive director Paul Kelly and USA Hockey executive director Dave Ogrean opened with a statement regarding the OneGoal Equipment donation from the NHLPA Goals & Dreams Program.
USA Hockey director Dave Fischer also informed everyone that all 34 players at the camp will take in tonight's baseball game at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago between the White Sox and Kansas City Royals. Olympic hopefuls Mike Modano and Dustin Byfuglien will be on the mound to throw out the first pitch. Modano would actually be throwing out the pitch but Byfuglien will join him on the mound -- seniority wins out here.
-- Mike G. Morreale
Chelios in the house
08.18.2009 / 10:54 AM ET
Chris Chelios would love to be among the 34 players out on the Seven Bridges Ice Arena surface competing for a place on the 2010 Olympic team. But that's not happening for the 47-year-old defenseman, who also is looking for a NHL job as an unrestricted free agent.
Instead Chelios is here as a special assistant. Monday, he took the ice and helped put the players through the paces. But his main job is to serve as a sounding board and a "tribal storyteller," for the young players, according to Team USA coach Ron Wilson.
"I certainly believe in mentoring," Wilson said Monday. "Obviously, having Chelli involved in the role as special assistant (is part of that).
"He still wants to play (in the NHL), so I don't know what his role is going to be. If he doesn't play, I'd like him to be what Joe Nieuwendyk was for me last year (in Toronto), a veteran that (the players) all greatly respect. You could make an argument that (Chelios) is the greatest American player. You could say Mike Modano, Pat Lafontaine, Jeremy Roenick. Chris has been in every one of these battles. He's a true warrior. He works. He was outskating some of our guys today."
Maybe Chelios, a famed workout fiend, was outskating some of the Olympian hopefuls because he was auditioning for a job with the Maple Leafs, the NHL home of Wilson and Team USA GM Brian Burke, who holds the same title in Toronto.
Wilson suggested as much in Monday afternoon's press conference.
"You get Chelli in the corner and he pulls you aside and he's like, '(Do) you guys have room in Toronto? You could use an extra defenseman. I know an American coach that would like to have a guy like me. You even get, 'Is there anyway I can make this (Olympic) team?'"
--Shawn P. Roarke
Parise on Parise
08.17.2009 / 7:29 PM ET
New Jersey Devils forward Zach Parise, who is rooming with Florida's David Booth during their participation at orientation camp at Seven Bridges Arena this week, has high hopes of playing on a similar international stage as his father.
Zach's father, J.P. Parise, was selected as a checking forward for Team Canada on a line with Wayne Cashman and Phil Esposito during the Summit Series of 1972. There, the elder Parise collected 2 goals and 4 points in six games.
"I admired his competitiveness -- that's what always stood out to me," Zach said of his father. "We have the box of DVD's of that Summit Series and I've watched him a few times. The way he competed on the ice was something special and hopefully, I'll be able to play on the same stage as he."
Just because J.P. was a member of Team Canada in '72, doesn't mean he'll be rooting for the Canadians in February.
"He's definitely rooting for the USA now," Zach said with the smile. "He's an American citizen and, not taking anything away from what he did with Canada because that was the highlight of his career, but he's pro-USA."
--Mike G. Morreale
Former Olympians receive call from Burke
08.17.2009 / 7:17 PM ET
Team USA General Manager Brian Burke actually contacted former Olympians Jeremy Roenick, Keith Tkachuk and Billy Guerin to inform them of the decisions that were made when constructing the men's Olympic orientation camp this week.
"We've been the beneficiaries of a generation of American players who were just marvelous workers for us," Burke said. "They not only showed up when asked, but accomplished a lot and played at a high level. We're fortunate to have had that generation of player, but we have to turn the page. I think they (Roenick, Tkachuk and Guerin) deserved a phone call from the GM explaining what was happening and they were grateful for that."
--Mike G. Morreale
Let's have fun!
08.17.2009 / 3:36 PM ET
Team USA GM Brian Burke couldn't have made it more clear Monday morning that the 34 players gathered here for this three-day camp were not trying out for the Olympic team. That process will occur during the first four months of the NHL season as the players are scouted by Team USA's many evaluators.
"This is not a tryout camp, we're not scrimmaging," Burke said. "This is an orientation camp."
For Burke, he envisions the next 72 hours as an opportunity to bring a mostly young, very disparate group together as a more cohesive unit.
"We started team building this morning," Burke said. "This morning on the bus ride over, each player had to introduce his roommate and tell the group one thing about that player that no one knows."
The team certainly had a lot of time for that particular team-building exercise turned a 40-minute ride into one that lasted nearly 90 minutes. But the team-building process continued throughout the morning as Team USA coach Ron Wilson believes team unity is the best possible outcome of these three days.
"Practices in August aren't going to win the Olympics, this is about a mindset and a philosophy," Wilson said. "We're trying to build a team and some camaraderie; trying to put in a mindset into our team of how we want to play and compete. Beyond that, the most important thing is that we pledge to get to know each other because you can't ever become a team unless you trust the guys to the left, right, front and center. That's what we are trying to establish here."
The players are pretty glad that they aren't being judged by their performances here. More than one player admitted Monday morning that they were shaking off some considerable rust.
"It's just a little tune-up to get the hands going," said Ryan Miller, one of the three goalies on hand. I whiffed on a few shots out there (today). Like I said, it was just a chance to get the hands going. We'll start worrying about being a world-class goalie in a month or so."
-- Shawn P. Roarke
Kane speaks
08.17.2009 / 11:45 AM ET
Patrick Kane just made a short prepared statement before the start of practice. He was flanked by Team USA GM Brian Burke and Chicago Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman.
He addressed the legal situation he faces in Buffalo where he and his cousin, James Kane, were recently charged with felony robbery and misdemeanor counts of theft and criminal mischief. The incident allegedly occurred in a dispute with a taxi driver about fare.
Kane spoke for 50 seconds Monday morning, stepping to the podium in a black sport coat with a white T-shirt underneath.
"I have been very lucky to achieve every kid's dream to play in the National Hockey League while working for a great organization like the Chicago Blackhawks. Now I also have a chance to play my country, a dream come true for myself and my family.
"I know everyone wants to talk about what happened in Buffalo. As you know, the legal proceedings are pending and I cannot discuss the details at this time. Because I put myself to be in the wrong position at the wrong time, I've caused a lot of pain for my family, my hometown of Buffalo, the city of Chicago, the Chicago Blackhawks and obviously the great fans we have here in Chicago. For that part, I sincerely apologize.
"Now, it is time for me to move forward. I'm excited to get back to the ice and represent the Chicago Blackhawks and the United States Olympic hockey team. Thank you."
Burke also briefly addressed the Kane situation, saying this incident would not affect his status with the Olympic team and that he feels that Kane is focused and ready to go in this camp.
The other players from Group 2 are now being made available. We'll have more on NHL.com about Kane's appearance later.
-- Shawn Roarke
NHL.com in the house
08.17.2009 / 10:20 AM ET
We're on site at Seven Bridges Ice Arena in Woodridge, Ill. By we, I mean Mike Morreale and myself, as well as Josh and Jason from NHL Studios. We'll have all the news from the United States Olympic Men's Orientation Camp going on here for the next three days.
Here's the first piece of news: There is a lot of traffic in the Chicago area. The players are late arriving today because of traffic issues. By rights, it should be a 45-minute trek from downtown to Woodridge, but it took us twice that long. Good thing we left at 7:15 a.m.
Patrick Kane is supposed to speak this morning and then the players will hit the ice for on-ice sessions. The players are split into two groups and each will skate for an hour. Coach Ron Wilson will speak after the second group finishes its on-ice session.
The other piece of news coming out of today will be the debut of the Team USA jerseys for the 2010 Olympics this morning. The players will take the ice this morning wearing one of three versions of the 2010 Nike Olympic jersey.
--Shawn P. Roarke
TOP HEADLINES
CAN'T MISS VIDEO
- Stamkos' OT strike gets Bolts past Thrashers
- Get ready for some hockey on a busy Monday
- Kings arriving ahead of sked | Pacific capsules
- Report: Red Wings' Kronwall to miss 4-8 weeks
- Oilers battling injury and illness | NW capsules
- Canucks clear room for Daniel Sedin's return
- Top players and stories at NHL quarter mark
- New-look Sharks sport important differences
- 20 questions -- and answers -- 20 games in
- WATCH: The Hockey Show: Week in review
- Division Capsules: Atlantic | Central | NE | SE
FEATURED STORIES
Sunday, 11.22.2009 / 11:19 PM
NHL.com
Sunday, 11.22.2009 / 1:20 AM
By Brian Compton
Sunday, 11.22.2009 / 1:00 AM
By Dan Rosen
Sunday, 11.22.2009 / 1:00 AM
By Dan Rosen
Sunday, 11.22.2009 / 1:00 AM
By Dan Rosen
NOTEBOOKS
Friday, 11.20.2009 / 11:04 AM
By Mike G. Morreale
Friday, 11.20.2009 / 1:00 AM
By Roger Phillips
Thursday, 11.19.2009 / 10:10 AM
By John Kreiser
Wednesday, 11.18.2009 / 10:10 AM
By James Murphy
Tuesday, 11.17.2009 / 1:00 AM
By Larry Wigge
AFFILIATE SITES
AHL ›ECHL ›
IHL ›
CHL ›
ELITE (UK) ›
SPHL ›
USHL ›
NARCh ›
Aussie Hockey ›
NHL Alumni ›
AAHL ›
PLAYER SITES
Nicklas Backstrom ›Martin Brodeur ›
Patrik Elias ›
Georges Laraque ›
Vincent Lecavalier ›
Ryan Miller ›
Mike Modano ›
Alex Ovechkin ›
Alexei Ponikarovsky ›
Chris Pronger ›
Jeremy Roenick ›
Kevin Weekes ›
Justin Williams ›
Henrik Zetterberg ›
FUN STUFF
Yahoo! Fantasy Hockey ›NHL Fans ›
Manage your profile ›
NHL Shop ›
NHL Rbk store ›
Podcasts ›
NHL Learning Center ›
PowerPlay ›
NHL Awards Show ›
COMMUNITY
Hockey is for Everyone ›Hockey Fights Cancer ›
NHL MOBILE
Get Mobile Alerts (US) ›Get Mobile Alerts (CA) ›
NHL.com Mobile Site ›
Mobile Terms of
Service ›
Mobile Feedback ›
 |
NHL.com is the official web site of the National Hockey League. NHL, the NHL Shield, the word mark and image of the Stanley Cup, Center Ice name and logo NHL Conference logos and NHL Winter Classic name are registered trademarks and Vintage Hockey word mark and logo, Live Every Shift, Hot Off the Ice, The Game Lives Where You Do, NHL Power Play, NHL Winter Classic logo, NHL GameCenter Live, NHL Network, NHL Mobile, NHL Radio and Hockey Fights Cancer are trademarks of the National Hockey League. All NHL logos and marks and NHL team logos and marks depicted herein are the property of the NHL and the respective teams and may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of NHL Enterprises, L.P. © NHL 2009. All Rights Reserved. All NHL team jerseys customized with NHL players' names and numbers are officially licensed by the NHL and the NHLPA. The Zamboni word mark and configuration of the Zamboni ice resurfacing machine are registered trademarks of Frank J. Zamboni & Co., Inc. © Frank J. Zamboni & Co., Inc. 2009. All Rights Reserved. |