There is a lot of pressure for the Canadian hockey team to bring home a gold medal in Sochi next year. After winning in dramatic fashion in Vancouver, many fans are confident they will repeat in 2014. The team will arguably have more skill and star-power than in 2010 with the likes of superstars Steven Stamkos and John Tavares likely to make the cut. However, some people are concerned that the larger ice surface and international rules will make it difficult for the Canadians to do well, like it did in Turin in 2006. Here is a look at some of 25 of the best Canadian hockey players right now:
- Sidney Crosby– He is only 26 and has accomplished almost everything: won the Art Ross, Hart, Maurice Richard, and Lester Pearson Trophies, sustained a major concussion, won a Stanley Cup, and scored a golden goal for Team Canada.
- Steven Stamkos– The Tampa Bay Lightning scorer has well over a point-per-game pace since not making the team in 2010.
- John Tavares– The young Hart Trophy finalist is a great teamate and an even better socrer.
- Jonathan Toews– “Captain Serious” is the youngest player to join the Triple Gold Club (won a Stanley Cup, Olympic Gold, and IIHF World Championships Gold medal)
- Claude Giroux– After a breakout 2011-12 season, the 25-year-old is looking to build on this success.
- Drew Doughty– He was a surprise pick for Team Canada in 2010, but the tough defender has proved that he was no fluke.
- Patrice Bergeron– The most recent member of the Triple Gold Club is one of the best two-way forwards in the world.
- P.K. Subban– Subban is the reigning Norris Trophy winner and will be looking to prove his worth in a full-length season.
- Shea Weber– Despite a so-so 2013 campaign, Weber is still big, tough, and skilled defender.
- Corey Perry– He won the 2010-11 Hart Trophy, but after a couple of seasons of less than a point a game, he needs to have a good comeback campaign.
- Eric Staal– A veteran among young Team Canada hopefuls, but he is certainly capable of being a scorig threat.
- Duncan Keith– He has a reputation for being one of the best two-way defencemen in the NHL.
- Martin St. Louis– He is 5 ft 8 and 38 years old. However, St-Louis is a warrior and is still able to score goals and play big minutes.
- Taylor Hall– The former first overall pick is a leader on the young Edmonton Oilers.
- Kris Letang– The offensive threat on the blueline is one of the premier defensemen in the world.
- Jason Spezza– He has played for Team Canada on many occasions, but has yet to showcase is talent in the Olympics.
- Ryan Getzlaf– Getzlaf is a power forward who had an important role in Vancouver in 2010.
- Jeff Carter– Despite scoring an unprecedented 26 goals in 48 games, he only got 7 assists.
- Jamie Benn– He was not invited to orientation camp, but he may be able to prove Steve Yzerman wrong if he has a great season in 2013-14.
- Logan Couture– Couture is definitely growing into a premier forward in the NHL.
- Roberto Luongo– “Lu” will have a fresh start as the undisputed number 1 goalie on the Vancouver Canucks.
- Alex Pietrangelo– He did it all in junior and the defenceman is proving his worth in the NHL.
- Carey Price– The hot-and-cold goalie is good when he is on a roll.
- Rick Nash– One of the NHL’s premier snipers has made his mark on Broadway.
- Mike Green– The 2010 Team Canada snub is one of the best offensive defencemen in the game.
Honourable Mentions: Jordan Eberle, Brad Richards, Mike Smith, Francois Beauchemin, Corey Crawford