SASKATOON – Team Canada veterans Martin Brodeur, Jarome Iginla and team captain Scott Niedermayer were joined by several newcomers, most notably Sidney Crosby, as the Canadian 2010 Olympic team was announced Wednesday in Saskatoon.
“This has been very enjoyable process but a difficult one – in particular, the last few days as we went through our discussions to finalize our roster,” said executive director Steve Yzerman.
Iginla, Crosby and Chris Pronger were named the team’s alternate captains.
“Without a doubt, when we knew starting this process that there would be very good hockey players left off this team. And to no surprise, that is the case. We spent hours and hours debating every decision and rest assured that every player that was put on after great debate and great thought amongst our group.”
At the end of the day, Yzerman is pleased with the final choices.
“We feel we have a team that will make Canadians proud and give us a good opportunity to compete in Vancouver, and compete for a gold medal,” he said.
Niedermayer was honoured to be named team captain but feels each member will bring something important to Team Canada.
“It’s a quick tournament and that really creates different challenges than you have in an NHL season where you’re together for a long period of time,” said Niedermayer.
“But you’re teammates with a bunch of guys who are captains or assistant captains of their clubs and are great leaders as well. The room will be full of them. It’s going to be a matter of everyone finding the best way they can help the club have success.”
COMPLETE ROSTER
GOALTENDERS
Martin Brodeur, New Jersey
Marc-Andre Fleury, Pittsburgh
Roberto Luongo, Vancouver
DEFENCEMEN
Dan Boyle, San Jose
Drew Doughty, Los Angeles
Duncan Keith, Chicago
Scott Niedermayer, Anaheim (C)
Chris Pronger, Philadelphia (A)
Brent Seabrook, Chicago
Shea Weber, Nashville
FORWARDS
Patrice Bergeron, Boston
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh (A)
Ryan Getzlaf, Anaheim
Dany Heatley, San Jose
Jarome Iginla, Calgary (A)
Patrick Marleau, San Jose
Brenden Morrow, Dallas
Rich Nash, Columbus
Corey Perry, Anaheim
Michael Richards, Philadelphia
Erc Staal, Carolina
Joe Thornton, San Jose
Jonathan Toews, Chicago
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