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GM Yzerman talks Olympics

Written by: Jesse Michael on 11th February 2009

GM Yzerman talks Olympics | read this item

With the countdown to the Vancouver Olympics less than one year away, hype for the men’s hockey event was built up even more on Thursday featuring a conference call by Team Canada Executive Director Steve Yzerman.

Some of the highlights from the interview included;

Commenting on the style that he expects from his team, Yzerman suggested that he doesn’t feel as though they will play a strictly run and gun, or a defensive type style, but will find a balance between the two.
His idea of a “checking line” for the team is three guys that are excellent on both ends of the rink, not only smart offensive players, but good defensive players.
On the subject of goaltending, he believes they have to be prepared to make a decision next fall based on availability and who’s playing well at the time. He touched on Roberto Luongo and Martin Brodeur saying that if they’re injured at this time next year, other goaltenders will obviously be given a harder look.
Final plans for the coaching staff will be done shortly after the Stanley Cup finals. He says that Kevin [Lowe], Ken [Holland], Doug [Riseborough], Johnny Misley and himself have put together a group of names that they will keep an eye on as the NHL season progresses
Believes that the Olympics are a great way to promote the game and showcase the players. Hopes the Players Association and the IIHF reach an agreement to allow them to play in 2014 in Russia
Possibility of up to seven centers being named to the team, with three being moved to the wing. Doesn’t want to take away from a top winger just for added depth at center however
Mentioned, when prompted about 18, 19 and 20 year olds making the team that Drew Doughty specifically has been playing tremendously in Los Angeles, and isn’t ruling out a teenager on the team
Their plans for now up until the end of the season are to take a closer look at the huge list of players they have. They will meet in March and fine tune the list to either add and/or remove names
Wants to have the first list of players set around the July 1st weekend so the players can prepare for the August 24th camp
Doesn’t mind that the Olympics will be on the smaller ice surface, and believes that what people say about North Americans having an advantage isn’t true and that its fairly equal
Thinks that even though Canadians expect gold, its what the Russians and Swedes are thinking too, and in a one loss elimination setting, anything can happen.
In the end, he feels that the Canadian players will have to control their emotions, adrenaline, not get overwhelmed by the situation and just go out and play, with the expectation obviously that they want to win Gold.

Also, on the heels of the one year mark to the Vancouver games, we will be bringing you our Team Canada selections from each member of our site. Stay tuned for those in the near future

Topics: 2010 Winter Olympics, GM Team Canada, Steve Yzerman, Team Canada, Vancouver