| Forwards |
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Has come a long way less than one
year after being involved in a serious car crash. Missed most
of the NHL season but was dominant as tournament MVP in Canada's
gold-medal win at the 2004 worlds.
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The kind of player Canadians love.
He mixes speed, offensive skill, determination and a whole
lot of heart. Will make his international debut in a Canadian
jersey.
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The bulky centre has a scorer's
touch but can also punish the opposition in the corners. Many
felt he should have been at the 2002 Olympics.
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One of the top forwards in the world.
Iginla has always been a goal-scoring threat, but he's adding
more grit and leadership elements to his game.
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The MVP from Canada's gold-medal
Olympic win in Salt Lake City. He remains a dangerous scoring
threat as both a passer and shooter.
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The Sharks' captain has improved
every season. The all-around player can score in bunches but
is still productive in other ways even when his name is not
on the scoresheet.
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If he's healthy, you can bet Mario
will come to play. The only question mark for this all-time
great and clutch performer is the condition of his hip.
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Often overshadowed by Lightning
teammates Martin St. Louis and Vincent Lecavalier. A crafty
playmaker and emerging superstar who takes a lot of shots
on goal.
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A physical winger expected to take
on a checking role. He turned heads with impressive two-way
play during Canada's win at the 2004 worlds.
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The physical checking-line stalwart
and penalty killer can also put the puck in the net. He shut
down Swedish superstar Peter Forsberg during Canada's 2003
world championship win.
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Tabbed for Canada's checking line.
The gritty forward played on Canada's 2003 world championship
side. Has the ability to take opposing players off their game.
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Replaced the injured Steve Yzerman.
Was surprisingly left off the squad originally. Had a breakout Stanley Cup playoff with nine goals and seven assists in 23 games.
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The captain of Canada's 2004 world
team ramps up his game to new heights when wearing the red
and white. Has two-way skills and is comfortable in both fast-paced
or tight-checking games.
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Played well with Mario Lemieux at
the 2002 Olympics. Hasn't become the superstar many thought
he would be, but remains a skilled playmaker.
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The Coyotes' captain had a breakout
season, finally tapping into his goal-scoring potential. Combines
physical play, offensive abitility and solid defensive skills.
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| Defencemen |
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One of the top all-around defencemen
in the world. Combines dominant physical presence on the blue-line
with big-time offensive skills.
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Replaced the injured Rob Blake. Has good size (6'2", 220 pounds) and uses it effectively to play a tight defensive game. Is able to combine a physical defensive game with discipline.
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The Norris Trophy winner as the
league's top blue-liner was a member of the 2002 Olympic and
2004 world championship clubs.
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Replaced the injured Chris Pronger.
Has incredible skating ability, a keen sense of when to join
the rush, size and hockey smarts.
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Has represented Canada at four straight
world championships. He won't be expected to provide much
offensive firepower, instead, he'll be looked to for solid
defensive play.
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A top-level defensive player and
noted dressing-room leader. The two-time Stanley Cup champion
and one-time Olympic gold medallist is as responsible a defender
as there is.
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A two-way defenceman with a potent
point shot and the ability to mix it up. Is extremely durable,
having missed only a handful of games over his eight-year
NHL career.
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His standout play during Calgary's
Stanley Cup drive helped solidfy his World Cup berth. A sound
defensive-minded blue-liner with size and mobility.
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| Goalies |
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A clutch performer with both Stanley
Cup titles and an Olympic gold medal on his resume. The reigning
Vezina Trophy holder was a key reason for Canada's triumph
in Salt Lake City.
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Has emerged as one of the top NHL
goalies. He's also experienced in international play, backstopping
Canada to two straight world titles.
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Replaced Ed Belfour. Theodore is
agile and moves unbelievably well laterally. Usually remains
calm and cool under pressure. Has sound positional skills
as a butterfly goalie and a fine glove-hand.
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It
was a tough decision in the sense that as a group we had the utmost respect for
Todd Bertuzzi as a hockey player.