Team Canada

With the 2010 winter games in Vancouver not that far away, I would like to take the time and break down the Men's Ice Hockey event. This is the biggest event in hockey and with the time leading up to it I will be breaking down the big six (Canada, USA, Russia, Sweden, Finland, Czech).

Part 1: Team Canada.

If your from Canada, odds are you're a hockey fan. Odds are you have been making potential line combinations while lying in bed and thinking about who will make the squad while your significant other is trying to talk to you. Well here it is, my potential starting squad for the 2010 Winter Games:

Center:

Marc Savard

- The most underrated player in the NHL. The past three season's he has averaged more then a point per game and is on pace for a potential MVP 09' campaign. In my opinion, the best setup man in the game.

Sidney Crosby

- All you Crosby hater's say what you will, the kid can play. He has an Art Ross and Hart trophy to back that up. He has a spot already locked.

Vincent Lecavalier -

One of the shiftiest players with the puck and a pure scorer. He won the "Rocket" Richard Trophy in 2007 and has a Stanley Cup ring. Has scored 30+ goals the last 5 NHL seasons, with a 52 goal campaign in 07'.

Joe Thornton -

What can you say about Big Joe? Art Ross and Hart trophy winner in 06', two campaigns of 100+ points, and a dominate force along the boards. His lack of playoff production kind of worries me.

Left Wing:

Simon Gagne -

We can only pray that Gagne will stay healthy. The last season he only played 25 games due to a concussion. Has had a great start this year with 11 goals and 11 assists in 16 games. One of the fastest skaters in the game and the ability score at ease. Keep your head up Simon!

Shane Doan -

Doan is the definition of heart and determination. One of the best leaders in the game and he has skill to back it up. Canada needs more players like Doan, he can score, pass and more importantly throw the body around. I expect the European players to be looking over their shoulder's when Doan is on the ice.

Rick Nash -

This guy can stick handle in a phone booth. He has so much offensive skill it is scary. Rocket Richard Trophy winner in 04', and three 30+ goal seasons in a young and bright career.

Dany Heatley -

Interesting fact, Heatley was born in Freiburg im Breisgau, West Germany and he currently holds a dual citizen ship between Germany and Canada. Lucky for us Canadians, IIHF rules mandate that a player may not switch countries once he has already competed for one, I think Dany made the right choice. Heatley is the best sniper in the game, two 50 goal seasons, two 41 goal seasons and the quickest release in the game.

Right Wing:

Jarome Iginla -

Pound for Pound the best player in the game. Iggy can make a defender look stupid, score a beautiful goal, drop the gloves with the defenseman he just beat then shake the guy's hand. I am voting Iginla to be wearing the "C" for the 2010 games.

Martin St. Louis -

St.Louis is perfect for Olympic hockey, his speed and stick handling can only get better on the bigger ice surface. Expect St.Louis to make the cut and play along side teammate Lacavalier.

Jonathan Cheechoo -

Cheechoo is one of the elite snipers in the game, but has had a horrible start to the 08'-09' season with only 4 goals. I expect Cheecoo to bounce back and have a solid finish to end of the season. He has scored 20+ goals in the last 4 seasons including a 56 goal campaign in 05'-06' where he won the Rocket Richard Trophy. Expect to see Cheechoo make this team because of the chemistry between him and Joe Thornton.

Patrick Sharp -

It's hard putting Sharp in this category with so many quality right winger's available. However, I think Sharp has and will earn his spot on the roster. Last season he put up 36 goals including 7 short handed. This guy can play defence, kill penalties and throw the body around.

Defensemen:

Chris Pronger -

His credentials speak for themselves. He won the Hart Trophy as the league's most valuable player in the 1999-2000 season and was the first defenseman to win the award since Bobby Orr in 1972. A 5-time All-Star and Stanley Cup champion, he has proven that big defensemen can survive in the new NHL.

Dion Phaneuf -

A winger's worst nightmare, Phaneuf is just a monster and can intimidate any opposing player. A power play specialist with one of the hardest shots in the game. A two time All-Star in only 3 NHL seasons, I see this guy winning the Norris Trophy in the near future.

Mike Green -

Probably the best defensemen in the league when it comes to generating offence. Had a break out season last year registering 18 goals and 56 points. He has great speed and makes smart decisions with the puck in his own end. He is currently nursing a shoulder injury he sustained playing Anaheim when Chris Pronger laid him out. We need to stop the Canadian on Canadian violence.

Dan Boyle -

Boyle is a very consistent player and will be a valuable veteran on the blue line. He has Stanley Cup experience and is the top defenseman for the best team in the league, San Jose.

Jay Bouwmeester -

This kid is a work horse. At only 25 years of age he led the league last season averaging 27:28 minutes per game, this season 28:28 minutes. Expect him to be Canada's top penalty killer and go to guy in key situations. I just wish he could get some playoff experience down in Florida.

Brian Campbell -

Campbell is solid both defensively and offensively. He has averaged 40 or more points the past three season with a huge 62 point campaign last year. Averaging 26:07 of ice time per game this year, Campbell is the go to guy on the blue line down in CHI Town.

Goalie:

Roberto Luongo -

Luongo is in his prime, and will be playing in front of the Vancouver faithful. He has single handily helped the Canucks climb atop their division. With Broduer having surgery earlier this season, I give the starting job to Luongo.

Martin Broduer

- If he hadn't got hurt this season he would most likely be my starter but Luongo has just played way to good. Broduer will be back either late this season or next season and will pick up right where he left off.

Chris Osgood -

Most people would have Marty Turco or Carey Price in this spot. Turco has had a horrible start this season and Price hasn't proved himself yet. I bring Osgood along just because he has so much experience in big games, just ask his three Stanley Cup rings.

Reserves:

Ryan Getzlaf (C) -

Expect to see Getzlaf make the team, either as a reserve or they can move Lecavalier to the Wing.

Brenden Morrow

(LW) - Similar playing style to Shane Doan, you can never have enough player's like this. He is such a great leader they took the "C" right of the jersey of Mike Modano and gave it to Morrow.

Scott Niedermayer (D) -

Who knows what Niedermayer will be doing in 2010. Hopefully he will still be playing, I'll put him on the reserve list for now.

Making Their Case:

These players will make a strong push for their spot on the roster.

Eric Stall (C) -

Has had a slow start this year with only 10 points in 19 games. However, his experience with winning the Stanley Cup in 06' is valuable, not to mention the kid is a horse, he has missed only one game his entire 4 year career.

Brad Richards (C)

- This is interesting. We all know Brad can handle the pressure in the big games, he proved this in 04' by winning the Conn Smythe Trophy. It's hard to say where he fits in on the squad, might want to bring him along just for his defensive play and leadership.

Paul Stastny (C) -

back to back 20+ goal seasons in his rookie and sophomore year. This kid is quickly becoming a superstar, only question is will he be ready come Vancouver.

Mike Richards (C) -

He is the captain in Philly for a reason. He plays against opposing teams top players and shuts them down. Great at both ends of the rink.

Paul Kariya

(LW) - It's tough putting Kariya under this category. He is a 7-time All-Star but he is also getting on in years.

Corey Perry (RW) -

Former Memorial Cup MVP with the London Knights, Perry is starting to heat up down in Anaheim with 23 points in 20 games. Playing along side Getzlaf, Perry will make a strong push to crack the starting roster.

Devin Setoguchi (RW)

- If this kid keeps putting the puck in the net he just might replace Cheecoo as the premier sniper down in San Jose. 22 points in 20 games to start this season, Setoguchi needs to stay hot in order to be a serious contender for this team.

J.P. Dumont (RW) -

The former 3rd overall pick in the 96' entry draft has not disappointed. He has six 20+ goal seasons and is tough as nails. Not many people know about Dumont since he is playing down in Nashville where the coverage is brutal. Expect Dumont to challenge for his spot on the team.

Brent Burns (D) -

Ever wonder why the Minnesota Wild don't give up much goals? Watch this kid play and you will understand.

Shea Weber (D) -

Currently leading all defensemen with 18 points, Weber is an all around solid player.

Long Shots:

These players will need to do something special to crack the line-up.

Mike Ribeiro (C)

- Another great setup man, problem is we have too many of those, can't see Ribeiro making the cut.

Jason Spezza (C)

- The old "Spez" dispencer. Bottom line is his defensive game scares the crap out of me. He will be lucky to be considered for the reserve spots.

Jonathan Toews (C) -

Not the start he expected this season, but his numbers are still solid. I think his lack of experience will prevent him from making the team.

Danny Briere (C) -

Hate to say it but Briere is a softy. Though he has good skills, his inability to stay healthy is a big concern. Really only had one great year in 06'-07' when he put up 95 points with the Sabre's.

Michael Cammalleri (LW) -

Cammalleri is still young at age 26 and keeps getting better every year. His speed and puck handling ability may be useful on the bigger ice surface.

Brad Boys (RAW) -

Boys is another premier sniper in the league recording 43 goals for the Blues in 07'-08 and is a magician with the puck. However, his defensive game is a concern, he has a career -21 rating and quite frankly I don't think he is tough enough.

Mike Knobble (RAW) -

An experienced veteran and a force in front of the net. At 6' 3" and weighing 230 pounds, Knobble can give Canada a big body presence in front of the net on power plays. Since 02'-03' Knuble has recorded 20+ goals in every season, his solid defensive play will keep him in the running for a spot.

Drew Doughty (D) -

This kid is the real deal but I think he is still to young. He will barely be 20 years old when the roster is announced, he will have to make some serious noise to considered.

Sheldon Souray (D) -

Souray is big man who can throw the body around. He had a huge season in 06'-07 recording 26 goals. However, he is a career -32 and his skating ability is not the greatest.

Bryan Mccabe (D) -

After his pathetic performance at the Turin Olympics, Mccabe is lucky we let him keep his citizenship.

Wade Redden (D) -

It seems like Redden has completely lost his game. He was booed by the fans at MSG in their game against the Canucks where he committed turn over after turn over and was beaten for a few breakaways.

Sean Avery (LW) -

Avery makes his teammates worse, plain and simple. He is not the kind of player you want representing your country on the National stage. Also, it would just be awkward to have him and Brodeur in the same dressing room.

Joe Sakic (C) -

A.K.A Burnaby Joe. I honestly think Sakic will hang up the skates after this season. It was a hard decision for him to come back for this season and I just think his tank is running on fumes. One of the classiest players to ever lace them up and a first ballot Hall of Famer.

Please, feel free to comment on these choices as this is defiantly a debatable article.

It's that time of year again!  With the Canada/Russia ADT Challenge underway, the nation prepares for the 2009 World Junior Hockey Championships.  Canada's drive for five is alive and well as they look to take home their fifth consecutive gold medal, this time on home soil.  The tournament kicks off on Boxing Day on Dec. 26 in Ottawa.  Join me from now, up until and beyond the tournament for stories, previews, game recaps, analysis, and interviews.

Ask Canadians what they think of when the holiday season comes around, and they'll tell you of all the things that make the holidays so special.

Family, presents, holiday cheers.

Oh, and the World Juniors!

The tournament pits players from all nations under the age of 20 against one another for hockey supremacy.

Now, no offense to our neighbors to the south, but the World Juniors are huge in Canada, more so than in the United States.  But that's not to say it's unheard of in the USA.  In fact, it is becoming more and more popular.

To give it's full credit, it's also a huge tournament overseas.  Countries like Russia, Sweden, and the Czech Republic take the tournament like all their other hockey, very seriously.

The event is more of a Christmas tradition than eggnog here in Canada. With this year's tournament just over a month away, its time to take a look back at the history of the World Junior Hockey Championships, and some of Canada's biggest moments in the annual tournament.

The Decade's Greatest Gold Moments.

2008: Canada Defeats Sweden In Overtime For The Gold

You have to start with the most recent.  Last Christmas in the Czech Republic, the Canadians were a team full of young talent, they lost only once in round robin to Sweden.

So when the young Canadians met the Swedes in the gold medal game, certainly there was some doubt.  But Canada emerged on top in an overtime goal by Matt Halischuk. 

For Canada, their 2008 entry was a solid entry as usual.  Highlighted by junior phenoms Steven Stamkos and John Tavares.  The team also featured Kyle Turris, Brandon Sutter, Shawn Matthias, Stefan Legein, Claude Giroux, Zac Boychuk, among others.

Their defense corps consisted of Luke Schenn, Drew Doughty, Karl Alzner, Ty Wishart among others. Steve Mason tended the net for Canada.

2006: Canada Enters As Underdogs, Leave As Champions

With just one returning player from Canada's 2005 powerhouse team (we'll get to that in a minute) Canada wasn't favored to win it all in their 2006 entry on home soil.  Pundits selected both Russia and the USA to finish ahead of the Canucks.

Powered by home ice advantage, and Brent Sutter's hard work ethic, the Canadians captured the gold.

The team didn't have a ton of goal scoring as they had only one player in the top ten in scoring that year. 

Working together using relentless physical presence, and a balanced offensive attack in front of standout goalie Justin Pogge, Canada beat the Evgeni Malkin lead Russian's 5-0 in the final.

Joining Justin Pogge on the 2006 team were forwards Dustin Boyd, Steve Downie, Dave Bolland, Andrew Cogliano, Jonathan Toews and many others.

Backing up Pogge on defense were stalwarts like Marc Staal, Cam Barker, Kris Russel, Kris Letang, Ryan Parent and others. 

The team also featured the late Luc Bourdon.

2005: Canada's Best Team Ever

There is no doubt that every year Canada sends out a team on the ring that performs and excites.

There is no question that thanks to the NHL lockout, the Canadians iced their best team to ever play in the tournament.

The team rolled through the tournament, going 6-0 and outscoring their opponents 41-7 in the process.  The Canadians bounced past a highly skilled Russian team 6-1 in the gold medal game.  The highly skilled Russian team featured Alex Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin, and Alexander Radulov.  The Canadians hit Ovechkin so hard that he separated his shoulder and couldn't compete in the gold medal game.

While he was solid, Jeff Glass had to stand in the net to pick up the wins. 

Team Canada were led at forwards by Jeff Carter, Corey Perry, Patrice Bergeron, Ryan Getzlaf, Sidney Crosby, Andrew Ladd, Nigel Dawes, and Mike Richards.

Canada's defense was anchored by Dion Phaneuf.  He was joined on the back end by Braydon Coburn, Shea Weber, and Brent Seabrook, among others.

Also famous from this tournament was Pierre McGuire's reaction to the Russia's play in the gold medal game.  When things weren't going well early for Russia, they began to take a few dives, to which McGuire, calling the game for TSN, replied "They need to start calling diving on these guys, they're going down faster than free beer at a frat party!"

Classic.

Make sure to join me tomorrow as I present Team Canada's best Gold Moments from the 1990's.

"I can't believe that they're taking a chunk of history, especially when we're hosting it in our country," said Hockey Canada president Bob Nicholson.

            Bob Nicholson and Team Canada look to be victimized at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics by the International Olympic Committee and the Canadian Olympic Committee.  With an old rule now only being enforced, it appears that Team Canada will not be able to play with its beloved Maple Leaf trademark on their uniforms.

            The logo has not been a problem the past three Winter Games, but appears to be an issue this season, even though the Games are in Vancouver.  Nicholson is claiming that Team Canada will lose millions of dollars in revenue if they have to change the design of the jersey; he said that money from the lost revenues would not be able to be used to support Hockey Canada for Women’s hockey or grassroots hockey funding, which sales apparently go towards.  I am sure that even if Team Canada was forced to change the logo, instead of using the player in the leaf, that they would still make sufficient amount of money.  Why not go for a more simplified change? – fans who love the game and Team Canada will more than likely buy the new, re-designed jersey.

            The reason for the outrage by Hockey Canada was the IOC decided this summer in Beijing that they would abide by their own rules and demand that teams do not place a logo on their uniforms and that there will be no exemptions.  Seems a little strange that they only now want to abide by their rules that they have turned a blind eye to for the past three Games.

            But at the same time, for Nicholson to declare that the COC is putting Team Canada at a disadvantage in our own country is a weak argument – Canada has the best shot to win the gold, with or without the Maple Leaf jersey.  With the amount of Canadian talent that Team Canada can ice, there is no need to worry about a jersey swaying the chances of winning – as it is highly unlikely they will lose.

            I say that Hockey Canada should embrace this chance to change the jersey, to make it simpler, yet even more Canadian. Make another jersey that fans will want to buy and if they are really worried about losing funds continue to sell the jersey even if the players are not allowed to wear it on the ice. 

            Hockey Canada appears to want to be angrier at the IOC and the COC than to change and be flexible, like Canadians.  It is still a bizarre rule to now only enforce and not have the COC backing it like they have the past three Games, but Canadians love hockey, especially when the best of the best are iced on home territory.

            Yes, the Canadian jersey is loved and cherished by many players and fans, but Hockey Canada is making too much of a deal about this when they should be focusing more on icing the best team possible for winning on home ice – and if they do not win gold, you can bet they will blame it on the jersey rule.  And that will be even more of a tragedy than a design change of the ‘beloved’ jersey. 

           

*First Posted on MBLife.com, but they have no traffic so no one saw it. Check it out*

Eric Young Interview (7/15/08)

I like to thank you for taking time out to do this interview with Myrtle Beach Life.com. I’d like to talk to you today about TNA’s first ever show in Florence, SC, on Saturday July 26, and about you of course.

Daris Brown: Tell the fans what they can expect from a TNA House Show.

Eric Young: If you’ve never been to a live wrestling show and you’re a fan, or a casual fan, it’s something you really have to experience. There’s nothing like being at a live pro wrestling event. And TNA puts on the best live event in the entire industry. It’s worth the drive. It’s worth the money. You won’t be disappointed. It’s an experience.

DB: You broke into wrestling when it was at its peak. Where You A Wrestling Fan Growing Up?

EY: Yeah I’ve been a pro wrestling fan since I was 6. That’s my first memory of pro wrestling that I can remember. But I’ve been a fan my entire life.

DB: Who did you look up to growing up?

EY: There’s a pretty big list. Shawn Michaels is my favorite. But I like Owen Hart, Bret Hart of course (I’m from Canada so you have no choice), Terry Funk, Ric Flair, Randy Savage, Ricky Steamboat, Sting, the list goes on and on.

DB: You have had some of the best followings in TNA. You’re known as Paranoid Eric, Don’t Fire Eric and your association, or non association, with Super Eric. Do you ever worry that you’re not going be taken seriously as a wrestler?

EY: No. It’s the role I’ve been given and I run with it. I love what I’m doing and it’s so much fun. Things can change, I’m not worrying about it because I know I can wrestle. I don’t worry about it, I just go out there and make it the most entertaining for the fans that I can.

DB: Do you follow the online crowd? EY: To be honest, not really. I don’t follow it. There are a lot of people out there giving their opinions and they’re entitled to their opinions. But they haven’t been in the wrestling ring. The fans have a right to criticize stuff. But to put us down just to put us down just makes it hard for us, so I don’t really follow it. DB: With TNA being on a major network (Spike), there’s a video game coming out, TNA is on the way up and you’ve beat the WWE’s ECW in ratings. Does TNA’s roster pay attention to it? EY: Everyone pays attention to it to a certain degree. I keep my eye on it and ask about it each week. But it’s out of my hands. I just try to make my part of the show entertaining and do the best that I can do. DB: You were recently in a six-man tag match involving X-Division champ Petey Williams on Impact, on Spike TV, will you be challenging for his title soon? EY: To be honest. I don’t know what the plans are. It would be fun. I’ve known Petey for years, I wrestled him in his second match ever. There’s history. We’ve been in Team Canada. So It would be interesting. DB: TNA started off featuring stars of the X-Division. But now so many former WWE stars are jumping ship. Does the locker room fear that this is a similar path taken by WCW which gained success before going under? EY: I don’t think so. The problems that were there, aren’t here. It’s a completely different product here. Ours is way smarter. Speaking with some guys that were there during that time it was a mess. Some fans who were watching didn’t even realize how disorganized it was. DB: What’s something about you you’re fans would be surprised to hear? EY: I was valedictorian of my high school. But I was also captain of rugby team, goalie in soccer, on the AAA travel hockey team. So I was definitely a jock too. I was also into drama and stuff too. So I was an ecliptic young man. DB: Once your career is over, and you hang up the boots, what’s out there for Eric Young? Road Agent? Manager? Car Lot Owner? EY: I would hope something in wrestling. I have an interest in film, acting, maybe some stunt work – depending on how healthy I stay. But I’ll be a pro wrestler until they kick me out. DB: You’re known to associate with a star by the name of Super Eric. Now we know that he has no known weaknesses, but do you? EY: Eric Young has many weaknesses. I hope to grow up and be just like Super Eric someday. DB: TNA is coming out with a video game soon. How involved have you been? EY: We’ve been heavily involved in the making of the game. We told them what we like about wrestling games. What we don’t like. Eric Young plays a big part of the story line. They flew me up to L.A. and I did voice over and they got visual images of my face. And now I have an action figure that I didn’t have to make myself. I can die happy now. DB: If you can work with any wrestler in TNA, who would it be? EY: There’s a lot that I haven’t got to work with yet. But my favorite is Bobby Roode, because we have great chemistry and out of the ring. And he’s a complete professional. DB: Who would you like to wrestle with from the past or present? EY: There’s a huge list of guys. But I would say AJ Styles. A lot of guys don’t even know that I know what I’m doing, so that would be great to show them. Also working with Bobby again, that’d be good. DB: Awesome Kong is now challenging men. Are you brave enough to take her on? EY: Absolutely not. No. DB: Anything you want to tell your fans before we leave? EY: Thanks for watching the product and thanks for the support. If TNA comes anywhere close to you, you have to go. Plus you can get in the ring for meet and greets. You can get autographs from wrestlers like Christian Cage, Kurt Angle and everyone else. And the matches are all good. There are no cameras so the wrestling is first. So if you get a chance to go to one, go to one. DB: Well, Eric I’d like to thank you for your time. EY: No problem. Have a good one.

Ask anyone in Toronto and they'll remember Pat Quinn.

Whether it was for drastically improving the beleaguered Leafs and taking them to two Conference Finals appearances, his trademark wad of gum behind the bench, his fiery Irish attitude, or how he took on both the GM's and Head Coach's role in T.O., someone has a story—enjoyable or otherwise (The otherwise usually revolving around a trade he made)—about Pat Quinn.

If you're a Bruins fan, you remember him as the man who tried to knock Bobby Orr's block off with his elbow in the '69 Cup Finals, but that's another story.

But what some people may not have known about Quinn, was that his health caught up to him in 2002 during a Maple Leafs' Stanley Cup run, forcing him to step down from the bench for a period of time.

I was recently granted the opportunity—much in part to Zander Freund—to sit down with the man of 657 career NHL victories behind the bench to talk about his health, his new movement (called Making the Connection) to help people become more aware of the dangers of high cholesterol, and a little bit of hockey.

Bryan Thiel: Pat I'd really like to thank you for giving me this opportunity to talk with you.

Now, back in 2002 during one of the Maple Leafs' more notable playoff runs, you were hospitalized with heart arrhythmia. How did that scare affect your mentality about living a healthy lifestyle, and what changes did you make to the way you lived your life?

Pat Quinn: That incident scared me a lot and that's why I am so adament that Canadians take the first steps towards Cardiovascular health. I thought I was invincible, that I could eat and drink and take in calories the same way after I finished playing. In 2002 I really think that Leaf team had a chance to win a cup and my problems were a distraction because I just wasn't taking care of myself.

After that scare I quit smoking cigars, and really began to watch my weight and walked everyday which is something I continue to do now. I als got regular checks on my cholesterol levels and now that is something I watch very carefully. I feel better! www.makingtheconnection.ca can be the first step for a lot of people to begin taking better care of their hearts.

BT: On the 'Making the Connection' website, one of the key features that's presented to the public is the ability to register with the site, and receive a "Personalized Five-Step Plan". Could you explain the plan a bit and highlight some of the lifestyle changes it may center on?

PQ: The highlight for me was getting my "cardiovascular age". I am 65 but my heart is 58, and that shows that I've turned things around by doing the things I already mentioned.

BT: Here at Bleacher Report, we have a vast majority of readers coming from all ages and walks of life. What are some signs of high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease that some of our older (and younger for that matter) readers should be on the watch for? Is there anything that our readers can do to prevent or aid in the prevention or lessening the risk of high cholesterol?

PQ: Lots of doctors and others refer to cholesterol as the "silent killer". It's really hard to tell physically if there is a problem. The best advice is to go to your family doctor and insist that you be checked out!

BT: Now, if I didn't try and talk a bit of hockey with you, I wouldn't be doing my job very well. With the World Junior Tournament fast approaching, can you speak to some of the strengths of Team Canada?

PQ: Ha ha ha, I wouldn't expect anything less. The answer to that question is simply I don't know. One thing I do know is that we will be talented, but the type of team we are will dictate how we play.

Canadians play with pride and anytime you pull that Team Canada sweater on there is pressure and expectation to win gold. We want nothing less than that and playing at home will be tremendous pressure on these boys. That's something we'll focus on the right way as we put our team together.

BT: And a pretty easy question to wrap up on: Will we ever see Pat Quinn behind an NHL bench again?

PQ: It is no secret I want to be back behind an NHL bench but boy I'm excited about coaching the Canadian Juniors. We'll see what happens in January!

Now there are a few things I'd like to do here. Number one, I'd like to once again thank Pat for taking the time to sit down and chat with me about Making the Connection and his own struggles with high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease.

Number two, I'd like to wish Pat the best of luck this winter with the Canadian World Junior team (Here's hoping it takes him back to the NHL), and number three I implore all of you, young or old, to check the website out.

Bryan Thiel is a Senior Writer and NHL Community Leader for Bleacher Report. If you want to get in contact with Bryan, you can do so through his profile, while you can also check out his previous work in his archives.

Everything good about sports has, to an extent, been tainted.

The stories passed down to us by our parents of the great athletes of their generation, which make the athletes seem sublime have a certain allure to them. It is a shame that the stories we will tell our kids about the great athletes of our generation will have many questions associated with them.

I feel as though the first real time doping came into the public lexicon was during the 1988 Seoul Games when Canada's own (well...shared with Jamaica) Ben Johnson shocked the world by setting the world record in the Games' showcase event, the 100 m. I was too young to remember any of this, but that race sort of paved the way for a strong tradition. The breaking of world records on the track, followed by those athletes being stripped of their medals.

Now I consider myself a blind believer who is void of cynicism and gets sucked in by every "good" thing about sports. So I cannot tell you how much I HATE dopers. I truly believe that Usain Bolt is clean and that his performance is one of the greatest things I've ever seen at the Olympics. But, there are now always questions as to how he is breaking world records, and winning with such ease. The same goes for Dara Torres who is 41, but managed to make the USA swimming team. These are great stories, and these things can happen without the use of performance enhancing drugs, but because we have been betrayed by our heroes in the past, whispers grow about how there must be some "help."

The great stories from these Games could in fact be done by those who are cheating, which once again emphasizes my hatred for dopers. They hook us in and make us remember why we love sports, only to rip our collective hearts out.

I won't even discuss pro sports, but looking at the Tour de France, nobody can win cleanly anymore. Thanks to every other doper in the past (and there are too many to mention), it is widely assumed that the majority of the riders, let alone those who finish at the top have a fishy smell to them. I love Lance Armstrong (remember what I said about the lack of cynicism), and I think he is the greatest athlete of all time, but although he has not failed a drug test, he is constantly under suspicion and his 7 wins in a row will never truly be accepted world wide.

Back to the Olympics, there is nothing more unfair in these games than to have a doper take the place of a clean athlete on the podium, let alone in the gold medal position, an ending place in many people's dreams. Let me explain again why I hate dopers. In 2000 Caroline Brunet was Canada's flag bearer and was unbeatable going into the Olympics in the flatwater 500 m kayak race. When she cruised to the finals it was expected that she would bring home the gold, but she finished second to Josefa Idem Guerrini from Italy. It was discovered after the race though, that Idem Guerrini was allowed to compete even though she had high levels of HGH in her system thanks to a blood test taken by the Italian NOC. She did not fail a test at the Sydney Games, but there was no test for HGH that did not involve a blood sample, something they do not do. The Italian NOC let this doper compete, win, and steal a once in a lifetime opportunity from Caroline Brunet.

Two years later in Salt Lake City, Beckie Scott won an unlikely bronze medal in the 10 km pursuit cross-country skiing race, as Canada had never won a medal in cross-country skiing. She finished behind two Russians by the names of Olga Danilova and Larissa Lazutina, but soon it was discovered that these two athletes failed doping tests and were disqualified in 2004 and 2003 respectively. There are great stories at the Olympics, but few come close to the athletes that have little shot at the podium who go on to actually win the gold medal. It was amazing that Beckie Scott won the bronze, but she had the gold medal experience robbed from her and instead had a makeshift ceremony where they presented her with the gold and played Oh Canada. Not even close to what she could have experienced at the ceremony put on in the athlete's plaza.

Now I know dopers make sports in a way more fun to watch as they consistently break records and put on great shows, but if you ask me, I would rather people run an 11 second 100 m or swim a 45 second lap of the pool as long as everyone is clean. That way when someone does what Bolt has done at these games, it is an extraordinary event that turns into a "where-were-you-when" moment and something that we can be proud to tell our children.

Tremors of shock are hitting the hockey world today as the news squeaks out that Stefan Legein, a second-round pick of the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2007, is quitting hockey.

The stunning development was originally reported by the Columbus Dispatch and has now been confirmed by Jackets general manager Scott Howson.

Legein was a key player on the Canadian world junior squad that won its fourth straight gold medal last January; the right winger also helped the team to victory in last fall's Super Series against Russia.

Why would a 19-year-old with a very bright future suddenly quit the game for which he had such passion? There are no clear answers yet; only a thick cloud of fog.

Legein is an agitator of the first degree who has no trouble putting the puck in the net. He was a constant presence on Team Canada's second line and also put up over a point per game in his last two seasons with the Niagara IceDogs of the OHL.

But Legein's trademark was the thundering body check. He took every opportunity to pound an opponent into the boards (and into next week) and didn't shy away from fisticuffs. In short, he was an easy player to like.

A quick viewing of any game from last year's world junior reveals a kid who simply loves the game.

Or used to.

The details of Legein's premature retirement remain sketchy, but according to the Dispatch, the Jackets have been told that Legein has "lost the passion" he formerly held for the game.

Aaron Portzline at the Dispatch writes that Legein wasn't the same player last season after returning from the shoulder injury he suffered at the WJC. Portzline says Legein did not get along with his IceDog teammates late in the season—if true, a shocking turn for a player who has always been very popular in the locker room—and left the Syracuse Crunch after two playoff games to start training for the 2008-09 season.

As Portzline asks, who wants to work out instead of competing in the playoffs? Very strange indeed.

Then, at Jackets prospect camp, Legein looked lackluster. As one of the team's most promising prospects, it would be reasonable to expect him to stand out, right?

One final twist: when asked about their son's alleged retirement Tuesday evening, Legein's parents said they knew nothing about it.

It's possible they just didn't feel like talking, but what if Legein never told them? That doesn't sound like the Stefan Legein that Canadian hockey fans have come to know and love.

So, how do you lose your passion for hockey? Maybe it was the pressure to succeed, which can be unbearable for a teenager. But that doesn't seem likely, as Legein had already achieved a degree of success with Team Canada that most players can only dream about. And the Columbus media certainly does not provide the fishbowl atmosphere of Toronto or Montreal.

Sometimes young players hang 'em up when they realize they won't get enough ice time to justify riding the buses over getting an education. But that can't be it either. Legein was a bonafide NHL prospect.

Perhaps there was a major change in his life or some sort of family tragedy. Maybe his parents pushed him too hard. Clearly, whatever has led hard-hitting, fun-loving Stefan Legein to such a 180-degree turnaround is something that has yet to see the light of day.

Calgary's Daniel Ryder pulled a similar cut-and-retire routine last year, only to return to this year's training camp.

Let's hope Legein does the same. Otherwise, the Jackets and the hockey world are missing out on a heck of a player, and the kid Canada fell in love with is missing out on a heck of a career.

After a disappointing first half and no medals for almost the entire first week, Canadian Olympians have come alive for a strong second half of the Summer Olympics in Beijing.  This is quite typical of the Summer Games.  

Canada captured both gold and bronze in women's freestyle wrestling, with Carol Huynh capturing the top prize in the 48kg final and Tonya Verbeek capturing bronze in the 55kg final.

Swimmer Ryan Cochrane captured a silver medal in the men's 1500m freestyle swim to bring Canada's medal count to three.

In rowing, Canada continued their Olympic dominance.  The brightest spot came as the men's eight with Coxswain captured gold.  Canada also earned a silver in the men's pair without Coxswain as well as a bronze in both men's lightweight sculls and women's lightweight double sculls.

In track and field, Priscilla Lopes-Schliep captured bronze in the women's 100m hurdles final.

Then there was their stream of silvers.  Team Canada captured silver in the mixed team equestrian jumping while Canadian diver Alexandre Despatie captured silver in the men's 3M springboard final.

In both men's and women's individual trampoline, Jason Burnett and Karen Cockburn captured silver with impressive performances.

Last, but certainly not least, Canada's Simon Whitfield captured a silver medal in the men's individual triathlon.  Whitfield was a heavy favourite for Canada in the event and came through with a podium position.

Despite a low start to the Olympics, Canada's 13 medals now ranks the team in a 12th place tie with the Netherlands.

Canada still has hopes to capture medals in women's baseball and maybe also in men's baseball.  They could squeeze out a medal if they start to win in field hockey and also perhaps in women's volleyball.

The games are far from over and Canada has more medals to capture in the Beijing 2008 Summer Games.

Canada finally got on the board on Day 9 of the Olympics with three medals on Saturday. 

After 9 days of frustration and huge pressure Canada got over the hump in a big way.  It started with the men's rowing pair of Dave Calder and Scot Frandsen taking silver.

Carol Huynh kept it going with an impressive victory in the 48 kg wrestling final, which gave Canada a gold medal.

The two medals seemed to take some pressure off the rest of the Canadian Olympians as Tonya Verbeek won bronze in the the 55 kg wrestling category. 

For Carol Huynh it was a huge honour and an extremely proud moment to win the gold for Canada.

"I was just thinking how proud I am to be Canadian," Huynh said. "And I was just thinking about the road to how I got here. It's been a long one but a good one."  For Huynh it was her first Olympics and what she hopes to be the start of an excellent career.

Calder and Frandsen were equally thrilled with their silver in the rowing.

"I'm really proud of it and Scott is really proud of it," said Calder. "The Australians had a great push through the middle. We pushed back a little bit but congratulations to them. They definitely deserved that. We're very happy with a silver medal today." 

For Calder the silver medal helped erase the memory of Athens four years ago when his team was disqualified in the semi's for leaving their lane. That year Frandsen was a member of the men's eight that finished fifth in Athens, so it was great vindication for both these men. 

The night finished strong for Canada when Tonya Verbeek added a bronze medal to her Olympic collection after a 1-0 1-0 victory in the 55 kg wrestling over Sweden's Ida Theres Nerell. 

With the monkey off their back, Canada is looking to add to their medal tally. Blythe Hartley of North Vancouver advanced to the final of the springboard competition on Sunday, while Canadian gymnasts Jason Burnett and Rosannagh Maclennan progressed in the trampoline. 

Medal hopefuls Adam Van Koeverden, Simon Whitfield and Tyler Christopher are still to compete and the future looks a little brighter for the Canadian athletes.

The pressure is off for the time being with the hope of more podium finishes as the Games continue to play out.

It has been a big summer so far for Canadian Boccia Player Paul

By Rachal Fleury

 

The Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games will be extra special for reigning Paralympic BC3 boccia champion Paul Gauthier, as he’ll have two new family members at his side – wife Sarah and foster son Derek.

 

“For me it makes (the Games) even more inspiring having my family near,” Gauthier said. “It is really exciting to be experiencing it with the ones I love.”

 

Beijing will be Gauthier’s fourth Paralympic Games.

 

 

Heading into Beijing, Gauthier is ranked second in the world in individual play. His Paralympic resume includes a gold medal in the individual and bronze medal in pairs in Athens, bronze in both individual and pairs in Sydney and a twelfth place in individual and fifth place in pairs in Atlanta. In Beijing, he is aiming for gold in both individual and pairs.

 

“I’m feeling really ready,” Gauthier said, who lives and trains in B.C. “Our whole team is coming together so well.”

 

 

A new family

 

Gauthier and his wife Sarah (who is also his sport assistant) married last month on Vancouver Island in a “beautiful and intimate” ceremony. When Gauthier speaks about their union, his excitement is almost tangible.

 

“We work together so well in both our personal lives and professional lives,” he said. “I’m so happy! What a year for us!”

 

Also bringing happiness to Gauthier’s life is his foster son Derek.

 

Four years ago, Gauthier, who grew up in foster care, became the foster father of 11-year-old Derek, the son of one of his foster sisters. Derek came to Gauthier completely mute as the result of an anxiety disorder – he made no eye contact and had no verbal communication skills.

 

Now 15, thanks to the dedication and commitment of Gauthier and Sarah, Derek is making eye contact, is able to write and is communicating verbally. Derek is thrilled to be going to Beijing and for the past several months has been studying the Paralympic Movement and constantly impressing Gauthier and Sarah with Paralympic facts.

 

“I’m excited that Derek is getting a chance to see the world,” said Gauthier of bringing him to Beijing. “For him to take such an interest (in the Paralympics) is really inspiring.”

 

Also accompanying the Gauthier crew to Beijing are Sarah’s mom and Gauthier’s close friend Joseph.

 

 

Gauthier’s Paralympic future

 

So, will there be a fifth Paralympic Games for Gauthier?

 

“That’s the million dollar question,” he laughed. “I haven’t made my mind up yet. I’ll see how I do in this performance. I would like to see double gold out of this one and then we’ll make some decisions.”

 

Yet, while Gauthier says he is undecided, to hear him talk about sport and the Paralympic Games makes it hard to believe that he won’t compete in London in 2012.

 

“I love the competition; I love the sport; I love meeting people from all over the world,” he said. “To be an elite athlete and know you are representing your country is amazing. This being my fourth time is just as special as it was all of the other times. It still makes me tingle to come out in front of 80,000 people in the Canadian uniform (during the opening ceremonies).”

 

Boccia is unique to the Paralympic Games and is played by wheelchair athletes with severe cerebral palsy and related neurological disorders. The sport is a test of muscle control and accuracy, demanding extreme skill and concentration at the highest level.

 

Boccia is played on a long, narrow court by individuals, pairs and teams. The goal is to throw or bowl a ball so that it lands as close as possible to the target ball, called a 'jack'. At the end of every round, the competitor whose ball is closest to the jack scores one point for every ball that is closer than his opponent's. A game consists of four ends in individual and pairs competitions; there are six ends in team events.

It has been a big summer so far for Canadian Boccia Player Paul

 

Ultimately, it may not be Gauthier himself who has the final say in whether he retires or not. He’s getting a lot of pressure from Derek to stay in sport not only for a fifth Paralympics, but for a sixth.

 

“He says I can’t retire because he wants to be my sport assistant in eight years,” Gauthier said.

 

Gauthier balances sport and family with an important work role with the B.C. Paraplegic Association, as its community capacity coordinator. He works with other community organizations, individuals and government to improve policies and address issues that affect people with disabilities. In the past he ran a consulting company that helped people with disabilities make the transition to independent living arrangements. He enjoys his new role, because he is able to make change on a larger scale and affect more people’s lives.

 

Gauthier is grateful to the B.C. Paraplegic Association who has been very supportive of his Paralympic endeavors – giving him the time that he needs to train, to travel and to compete.