Trevor Linden to run Olympic torch relay
Last Updated: Tuesday, September 15, 2009 | 3:10 AM ET
CBC Sports
Trevor Linden (16) will run a leg in the Olympic torch relay. (Dale MacMillan/Getty Images)Trevor Linden, one of the most popular players in Vancouver Canucks history, will run a leg of the Olympic torch relay.
Linden, who retired from the NHL on June 11, 2008, agreed Monday to run in the cross-Canada trek, which begins Oct. 30 in Victoria.
The 106-day, 45,000-kilometre relay will visit every province and territory before Vancouver plays host to the Olympic Winter Games from Feb. 12 to 28, 2010.
"A real highlight for me," Linden told The Canadian Press.
Other pro athletes taking part in the torch relay will be Victoria's Steve Nash, a two-time NBA MVP with the Phoenix Suns, and Calgary resident Stephen Ames, a veteran on the PGA Tour.
"We're hosting the world here in a few short months, so it is going to be a lot of fun," Linden said. "And as I being a Canadian, as every Canadian is, we're looking forward to showing our beautiful country off."
Linden totalled 375 goals and 492 assists for 867 points in 1,382 NHL games with the Washington Capitals, Montreal Canadiens, New York Islanders and Canucks, who drafted him second overall in 1988.
The 39-year-old is Vancouver's all-time leader in assists (415) and games played (1,140), and ranks second to Markus Naslund in goals (318) and points (733).
With files from The Canadian Press
