Team Canada unveiled

Steve Yzerman has handed the Canadian squad off to the coaching selection as the hard work from a Front office stand point is all but behind him. Bloggers are working overtime arguing the reasons why Phaneuf, Mike Green and Bouwmeester were left off the list, while old guard/old school/just plain old, Chris Pronger not only will take the ice in Vancouver, but will be sporting a leadership role. Maybe its leadership and intangibles over youth, speed and skill with this one. Regardless, as a fan of Canadian Hockey, this squad looks solid top to bottom. I love the selection of Duncan Keith and his Hawks team mate (Brent Seabrook). Taking the time to layer in team chemistry into the selection process shows the thoroughness this committee went through. Fork lifting the Sharks first line power play unit of Thornton, Heatley and Marleau can only help Canada's quest for a gold medal (this unit has 59 goals so far this year and Thornton might possess the best vision in the NHL for distributing the puck to potential snipers). Mike Richards while posting sub standard performances to date can clog up the middle better than anyone in the league (just ask fellow teammate Sid Crosby). I like him one on one with Ovechkin in a possible Canada-Russian key match up. I like the blend of youth (especially Doughty - whether this kid sees considerable ice time or not, getting your Olympic cherry popped early has to help come 2014 - I truly believe Crosby could have used this seasoning in Italy). Doughty's no slouch on the ice either as I recall some vivid memories of him capturing the best defence honours in the 2008 World Juniors.

While Canadian hockey fans will continue to discuss the merits of this team compared against other fantasy roster, I have to believe Stevie Y did the due-diligence and we're putting a cohesive team on the ice in Vancouver. Time will tell, but with the exception of Pronger, I like this unit. And really, Fleury needs someone to keep him company in the press box, and with Iggy and Crosby wearing A's already, maybe Pronger's leadership will be best served watching from above. While I would trade places with Fleury in a heartbeat you do have feel for this kid. Winning a Stanley Cup and playing brilliantly the past couple years and he's still sitting in the third spot as Team Canada Goaltenders. Luongo and Marty are unquestionably the top two, regardless of how much you love the Pens.

As with anything related to Canadian Hockey - this comes down to the performance put out on the ice. It is a gold medal or nothing mentality for this country and the final report card does not come down until Oh Canada is played in GM Place.

Forwards

Patrice Bergeron, L'Ancienne-Lorette, Que. (Boston Bruins)

Sidney Crosby, Cole Harbour, N.S. (Pittsburgh Penguins) Alternate captain

Ryan Getzlaf, Regina, Sask. (Anaheim Ducks)

Dany Heatley, Calgary, Alta. (San Jose Sharks)

Jarome Iginla, St. Albert, Alta. (Calgary Flames) Alternate captain

Patrick Marleau, Aneroid Sask. (San Jose Sharks)

Brenden Morrow, Carlyle, Sask. (Dallas Stars)

Rick Nash, Brampton, Ont. (Columbus Blue Jackets)

Mike Richards, Kenora, Ont. (Philadelphia Flyers)

Corey Perry, Peterborough, Ont. (Anaheim Ducks)

Eric Staal, Thunder Bay, Ont. (Carolina Hurricanes)

Joe Thornton, St. Thomas, Ont. (San Jose Sharks)

Jonathan Toews, Winnipeg, Man. (Chicago Blackhawks)

Defence

Dan Boyle, Ottawa, Ont. (San Jose Sharks)

Drew Doughty, Ottawa, Ont. (LA Kings)

Duncan Keith, Penticton, B.C. (Chicago Blackhawks)

Scott Niedermayer, Cranbrook, B.C. (Anaheim Ducks) - Captain

Chris Pronger, Dryden, Ont. (Philadelphia Flyers) - Alternate captain

Brent Seabrook, Tsawwassen, B.C. (Chicago Blackhawks)

Shea Weber, Sicamous, B.C. (Nashville Predators)

Goalies

Roberto Luongo, Montreal, Que. (Vancouver Canucks)

Martin Brodeur, Montreal, Que. (New Jersey Devils)

Marc-Andre Fleury, Sorel, Que. (Pittsburgh Penguins)

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Todd Price