After watching multiple Winter Olympic tribute shows in the last week, I decided an international hockey themed post was necessary. Whenever I think about Team Canada at any international competition, I always think to myself: Canada could put two teams out here, and they’d both have a legitimate shot at winning.
Since the whole “two teams for one country” thing would never be allowed in Olympic or even World Championship competition, I figured I’d take advantage of this blog to create my two headed Canadian Hockey monster.
It would be too hard to try to make two completely even teams so I’m not even going to try. Instead, I’m going to take the format used by the under 18 hockey championships, which divides Canada into regions (Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario and West) in an attempt to even out the playing field. My two Olympic Canadian teams will be divided along the Manitoba-Ontario border; Team Canada East and Team Canada West. Since a lot of research needs to be done, and the teams are pretty big, there will only be one team per post. I’ll also write a third post matching the two teams against each other, and seeing which side of the country really produces the best hockey players. So without further adieu, say hello to Team Canada East.
Team Canada East
Center: Sidney Crosby. A no-brainer for the first center spot, Crosby is the most dominant player in the NHL (in my mind) and hails from Nova Scotia
Center: Steven Stamkos. Possibly the second most dominant scorer behind Crosby, and an Ontario native.
Center: Mike Richards. Great two way player and perfect third line center
Center: Joe Thornton. Very tough choice for the last center spot, but I’ll give it to Jumbo Joe for his playmaking and consistency.
Wing: Eric Staal. I know he’s not technically a winger, but he played wing in the Olympics, and that’s good enough for this center heavy team.
Wing: Martin St Louis. First Quebecois on the list, incredibly gifted and gritty player, and you can’t have Stamkos without St Louis.
Wing: Rick Nash. Pure scoring power forward, impossible to take off the puck, and has a great international resume.
Wing: Corey Perry. I love this guy, he’s everything you could want in a hockey player, and luckily for Team East, he’s from Ontario.
Wing: Jeff Carter. Sniper and big body presence from Ontario. My hardest omission at the wing spot was definitely Claude Giroux, who's having a breakout season and is a strong two way player.
Defence: Chris Pronger. As much as I hate him, he’s an intimidating factor and huge asset on the blueline.
Defence: Drew Doughty. One of the most exciting defenseman in the NHL, and he played extremely well in last year’s Olympics.
Defence: Kris Letang. Great offensive defenseman having a fantastic year. He’s also from Montreal, which gives him bonus points.
Defence: Marc Staal. Solid young player who’s improving every game, and honestly, you need to have at least two Staals on your team at all times.
Goalies: Roberto Luongo. Backstopped Canada to the Gold in Vancouver, and comes from the greatest city on earth.
Goalie: Marc Andre Fleury. Also from La Belle Province, he’s extremely athletic and has big game experience.
Just Missed the cut: Claude Giroux,Brad Richards, Jordan Staal, Martin Brodeur, John Tavares, Patrice Bergeron, James Neal
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