Team Canada's Timeline - Men's Hockey

For better or worse, the winter Olympics are associated in most Canadian’s mind with a single competition: men’s hockey. I cannot think of another example in the entire world where a national identity is so tied to a single event. As many of you (Canadians) are likely aware – our Olympic hopes for 2010 have been placed on the broad shoulders of former NHL great Steve Yzerman. While never a Detroit fan myself, (GO LEAFS!), even I must admit that ‘Stevie Y’ as competent as anyone to cope with the intense pressure. For the curious, here is the timeline that will lead up to the naming of the Canadian Men’s Hockey Team for 2010:

- March/09: Meeting of the Minds. Executive director Steve Yzerman and his staff will meet to go over the scouting reports for both potential coaches and players.

- April 24-May 10: The world championship in Switzerland. Good audition for some hopefuls.

- Mid-June: The Coach Cometh. Yzerman hopes to name the coaching staff directly after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup final. That would allow them several weeks to figure out who should be invited to the orientation camp later in the summer. We would be shocked if the head man is not Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock.

- July 1: Invitations. Invitations will be forwarded for those players selected by the hierarchy to attend the orientation camp.

- Aug. 24-28: Summer Camp, Pengrowth Saddledome, Calgary. Time for the 2010 wannabes to strut their stuff in front of the brain trust.

- December: Team Canada 2010 will be named.

Will your favourite player make the cut? Only time will tell …

GO CANADA!