I've booked today off work...to be part of the annual Otonabee Oldtimers Christmas Showcase tournament with the boys down in Keene. The use of the word "showcase" is so misleading. (Who's kidding who? We're all well beyond our prime as hockey players - -so, a "showcase"? - - trust me, there's nothing to see here folks.)
Anyway, a disabled vehicle has thwarted my plan...and I'm sitting at home while the boys from Birdsall Beach Resort hit the ice, and Jamie Wagar at Ultimate Car Care puts my car up on the hoist.
11:45am...and still no phone call from Steve Yzerman. My Olympic hockey dream is fading quickly.
It's 12:00pm...and the REAL hockey story of the day is unfolding. The 3 goalies, 7 defencemen and 13 forwards that will wear the Team Canada Jersey at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver are being revealed.
No surprises with the 'tenders. 13 solid forwards. But maybe a couple of question marks on the blue line.
Scott Neidermayers' age (combined with his stats this season) raise an eyebrow or two - - but, I understand why you would put a "character" player like that on the roster. So, it comes as no surprise that he'll be wearing the "C" on his jersey.
Chris Pronger is the other questionable choice. He was almost a liability at the 2006 Olympics...looking so out of place on the large international ice surface. However, I'm sure Stevie Y has put him on the team this time around knowing that the Olympic games are being played on the smaller NHL-sized ice surface of GM Place, where Pronger's style would be more suitable. Still...I would've preferred seeing Mike Green or Jay Bouwmeester on the blue line wearing the Maple Leaf.
Gotta love the Peterborough connections though! Aside from Yzerman and Pronger, former Pete Eric Staal made the roster. Congratulations to Ptbo. Minor Hockey product Corey Perry on his selection too. Unfortunately, another local boy just missed the cut - - Mike Fisher was a bit of a long shot to make it onto Team Canada, despite having one of the best seasons of his career this year.
But, hey...the games begin February 14th...and I would think that Mike will appreciate the two weeks he gets to spend with his "sweetie"...Carrie Underwood.
Eh-O! Canada Go!