St. Louis will replace Stamkos on Canada’s Olympic men’s hockey team

Tampa Bay forward Martin St. Louis has been named to Canada’s Olympic men’s hockey team, replacing injured Lightning centre Steven Stamkos.

“It’s hard to turn down this opportunity,” said St. Louis at a press conference Thursday. “You got to realize you only get a few kicks at the can.”

READ: Meet Martin St. Louis

It was announced Wednesday that Stamkos would not be playing after all in Sochi.

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Doctors said that Stamkos has not recovered enough from a broken right leg to be able to play. He was injured Nov. 11, and hasn’t played since, though organizers had hoped he would be sufficiently recovered to represent Canada at the Olympics.

WATCH BELOW: Steven Stamkos is happy St. Louis is taking his spot

The first Canadian men’s hockey game is Feb. 13 at 12 pm Eastern time (9 am Pacific). See a full hockey schedule here.