On August 15^th, 2005 37 proud Canadians will make their way to Vancouver for Canada’s official Olympic Orientation Camp. Hockey Canada tells us that this is not a training camp, just a chance for the athletes to get to know each other before they play together in February. Most realize that this is nothing more then a lie, a story fabricated so Canada does not break any IIHF rules which frown upon pre-tournament practices.

There is a small chance that the IIHF and the NHL will not be able to sign an agreement by February, in which case NHLers may not be allowed to play in the Olympics. This seems unlikely to me and it would seem that Team Canada would agree considering they have decided to only invite NHL players to the mini-camp. A complete roster of invited players can be found at http://www.hockeycanada.ca/e/teams/mens/olympics/2006/rosters/can_ori.html showing us the depth that Canada has to offer.

After camp is completed the public will not be any more knowledgeable about who will be chosen for the team. No decisions will be made this early, the roster will likely not be set until after the NHL season commences. Its hard to imagine we will be surprised by the selections when they do occur, with many players mainstays on Team Canada. With this is mind, I present to you my predictions at this stage as to who will make the team.

No Doubters

Martin Brodeur – Goalie, New Jersey Devils

Backstopped Canada to success at 2002 Olympics and 2004 World Cup of Hockey. Brodeur will be Canada’s starter deep into his career.

Rob Blake – Defence, Colorado Avalanche

Although he is aging, he is still one of the top five defensemen in the NHL. His leadership and experience will be invaluable.

Scott Niedermayer – Defence, Anaheim Mighty Ducks

Won the Norris Trophy and was a first team all-star in the last NHL season.

Chris Pronger – Defence, Edmonton Oilers

Rounds out the big three on Canada’s defence. Former Hart winner is one of the best all around players in the league.

Jarome Iginla – Right Wing, Calgary Flames

Has twice lead the NHL in goals and once in points. He will find himself on the top line.

Mario Lemieux – Centre, Pittsburgh Penguins

Once of the best players in the history of the game, he has already been promised a spot on the team is he is healthy.

Joe Sakic – Centre, Colorado Avalanche

Despite declining statistics since his last Olympic experience, Sakic is still at the top of the game, finding himself as a first team all-star in 2004.

Steve Yzerman – Centre, Detroit Red Wings

Merely a shadow of his former self, he will join the team is a supporting role. One of the best leaders in the history of the game and worthy of this honour.

Pencilled In

Roberto Luongo – Goalie, Florida Panthers

If anyone is going to challenge Brodeur for the starters position, this is the guy. He is the future of Team Canada Goaltending.

Eric Brewer – Defence, St Louis Blues

Has become a mainstay on Team Canada’s roster. Now we find out if it was for his abilities or because of his NHL GM.

Adam Foote – Defence, Columbus Blue Jackets

Aging blueliner may find his foot speed has declined in the year off. His defensive skills are still great but will he be able to keep up on the large ice?

Ed Jovanovski – Defence, Vancouver Canucks

Good offensive skills but his constant defensive blunders have soured many on him.

Todd Bertuzzi – Right Wing, Vancouver Canucks

Big, mean and scary. Can he control his temper until the end of February?

Dany Heatley – Right Wing, Atlanta Thrashers

Has all kinds of offensive tools, has the season off helped him get his game back?

Vincent Lecavalier – Centre, Tampa Bay Lightning

The “Michael Jordon of Hockey” has finally started to put his game together, leading his team to a Cup win last season.

Rick Nash – Right Wing, Columbus Blue Jackets

Lives in the offensive zone and has shown an ability to dominate on international ice.

Ryan Smyth – Left Wing, Edmonton Oilers

Never says no to Team Canada and conveniently the team never says no to him.

Martin St. Louis – Right Wing, Tampa Bay Lightning

Hart and Art Ross winner should have no problem making the team.

Joe Thornton – Centre, Boston Bruins

One of the best big players in the game. He has played well on the international stage before and will again.

On The Bubble

Jose Theodore – Goalie, Montreal Canadiens

Should find himself as the third goalie, will dress for one game so he can count as an athlete and get his medal, but will spend most games in the stands.

Wade Redden – Defence, Ottawa Senators

Has developed into a very dependable two-way defender. Could be a victim of the numbers game.

Robyn Regehr – Defence, Calgary Flames

Very solid defensively, but has significant offensive lackings.

Shane Doan – Right Wing, Phoenix Coyotes

No better then Canada’s fifth best Right Wing, might make the team as an extra forward.

Kris Draper – Centre, Detroit Red Wings

Defensive Centre has found a place on Team Canada. Underrated offensive skills.

Simon Gagne – Left Wing, Philadelphia Flyers

Will find himself on the team due to a lack of LW depth. Has very solid defensive skills.

Kirk Maltby – Left/Right Wing, Detroit Red Wings

Is a great agitator and could easily get the other team’s top player of his game.

Patrick Marleau – Centre, San Jose Sharks

Speedy Centre is starting to play to his abilities, should make the team but may not play his position of choice.

Michael Peca – Centre, Edmonton Oilers

Has plenty of international experience, including being captain of Team Canada. Will compete with Draper for role of checking line centre.

Brad Richards – Centre, Tampa Bay Lightning

Shies away from the physical play but makes up for it with great offensive numbers.

Alex Tanguay – Left Wing, Colorado Avalanche

Extremely skilled but lacking in consistency. More of a playmaker then a scorer.

Don’t Pack Your Bags

Marty Turco – Goalie, Dallas Stars

A decent, but not great, goalie, Turco is lucky to even have gotten a camp invite. There is no way he’ll make the team.

Jay Bouwmeester – Defence, Florida Panthers

Its not his time yet. He’ll be a mainstay in the future, but there are better players today.

Dan Boyle – Defence, Tampa Bay Lightning

If there is a rash of injuries, he could get a call. Otherwise this offensive blue liner should expect to experience the Olympics on television.

Scott Hannan – Defence, San Jose Sharks

A very solid defensive defenseman, Canada already has Foote and Regehr in that role.

Chris Phillips – Defence, Ottawa Senators

Never lived up to the high expectations placed on him. Solid but unspectacular.

Brenden Morrow – Left Wing, Dallas Stars

Another Victim of the numbers game, Morrow is a solid player but there are too many players ahead of him.

Keith Primeau – Centre, Philadelphia Flyers

Has been a consistent victim of slumps. His offensive game appeared to blossom a few years back, but then fell back off-track. Has always played well in high pressure games.

Notable Non-Invites

Eric Lindros – Centre, Toronto Maple Leafs

In the past three Olympics he has fallen from a no-doubter to a depth player to a complete nonentity. Will need to have a monster first few months of the season to get attention.

Brendan Morrison – Centre, Vancouver Canucks

Although Vancouver GM Dave Nonis considers him one of the premier centres in the NHL, Team Canada begs to disagree.

Sidney Crosby – Centre, Pittsburg Penguins

Yet to play a single NHL game, Crosby will make the team if and only if he is able to make a seamless transaction to the pro game.

Bryan McCabe – Defence, Toronto Maple Leafs

Finished fifth in the NHL in defenseman scoring in 2003/04, yet lacks good decision making abilities.