Afternoon sportsfans, after having read about Mike Fisher getting looks as a possible fourth line addition to team Canada’s roster, Champ thought it would be interesting to look at other gritty players who would look good wearing the maple leaf in Vancouver
Mike Fisher – Ottawa Senators
- Peterborough, ON
A two-way player who is showing increasing offensive upside, Fisher would be a solid addition to Team Canada. He brings international experience from last year’s World Championships and could deliver some game changing hits for the Canadian Olympic team. Definitely one to watch.
Milan Lucic - Boston Bruins
- Vancouver, BC
A local boy who’s a beat on the ice, Lucic could be a game changer for Team Canada. Lucic has the ability to score and hit… hard which in international competition can be an advantage against some of the European teams. Would definitely be fun to see him planted in front of the net on the PP for the red and white.
Colby Armstrong - Atlanta Thrashers
- Lloydminster, SK
Armstrong is a pesky hard hitting forward who could be very effective against the opposition. Players would definitely be looking over the shoulders and ensuring they come out from around the net with their heads up for fear of Mr. Armstrong knocking them into next week. Colby brings international experience from last year’s World Championships as well.
Dan Cleary – Detroit Red Wings
- Carbonear, NL
Cleary is the poster boy for perserverance. Cut from the Canadian World Junior team multiple times, Cleary still pushed himself to make it to the NHL. And after playing with Chicago and Edmonton, he found himself a home in Detroit where he has shown valuable in back to back Stanley Cup runs for the Red Wings. Dan Cleary is a work horse on and off the ice.
Shawn Horcoff – Edmonton Oilers
- Trail, BC
Horcoff is a player who would bring grit and dertermination to a fourth line on Team Canada. A natural leader, Shaun has international experience having played for Team Canada at the World Championships last year and is someone who’s hard work and gritty style of play would be a wonderful compliment to the team.
Derek Roy – Buffalo Sabres
- Ottawa, ON
Now Champ will be the first to admit that he’s not a fan of Mr. Roy (cough cough diver, diver) but Derrick has plenty of offensive upside and could be a great asset for Team Canada. Derrick Roy has played in back to back World Championships for Team Canada producing decent point totals in each against international competition and could be an ace up Stevie Yzerman’s sleeve.
There you have it… a sampling of potential fourth liners for Team Canada. Stevie, over to you!
Stay classy, Steve Yzerman… a whole country awaits your selections on New Year’s Eve.
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Armstrong is an interesting candidate. He’s been pretty terrific in the games I’ve watched Atlanta play.
The two guys that I like the most on that list are Mike Fisher and Shawn Horcoff. Fisher is a slam dunk for me because I think he’s one of the most underrated Centers in the game. (not Centre, spell it right). He has the size and speed to match up with the kind of players that EVERY team is going to have.
I like Horcoff because of the speed. The games in the Olympics are always played at a faster pace… he’d be a perfect fit. The leadership qualities dont hurt either…
The reservations about Lucic are that some of the best parts of his game would be moot in the intenational tourney. Part of his game is the FEAR of him dropping the gloves… but I agree, the man would be a beast if he was used in a Holmstrom-esque role (sorry, I’m contractually obligated to mention Tomas Holmstrong whenever talking about someone playing in front of the net).
At the end of the day, dont worry… Dan Cleary will get a VERY long look to make the taem. You can thank Mike Babcock and Stevie Y for that…
Nice insight, Matt.
I think Dan Cleary has the edge, simply because he knows the Babcock system far better than other players. I love Fisher (I’m contractually obligated to say that since I bought a Sens jersey with his name on it), but I can’t see him making this squad.
I like the idea of Armstrong – that’s actually one I hadn’t heard of or considered.
A small concern I have about Armstrong, Fisher, Lucic, etc… their big hits that might hurt Canada. International ref’s have a tendency to call penalties based on how the hits look, rather than if they are clean hits. Big time hits from any of these guys could hurt Canada’s forechecking and intimidating play.
One guy not on this list could be Ryan Smyth… given his play this season and experience, he could be a strong candidate.
I like the idea of Lucic on the team, although I think Colby Armstrong certainly would add some sandpaper to the lineup.
To throw a few more names in the pot, how about Phil Bourque, Steve Ott or Ryan Malone?
I’m iffy on Bourque and Ott… maybe Malone, but I don’t believe he’s having a good enough year to be there. Maybe the Penguins version of Malone though.
Another name… Shane Doan? He’s certainly capable of playing that 4th line role.
Both of you guys are onto something. I like Ryan Smyth or Shane Doan on that team much more than any player NOT named Mike Fisher on that list. Funny thing, I dont even think of these guys as long shots to make the team… but I guess at this point in their careers they both are.
On a personal note: fuck Shane Doan. That guy owns the Kings. Thanks, I feel better…
I would be very surprised if Shane Doan wasn’t named to this team, assuming he’s healthy. Guys like Fisher and Smyth are definitely on the bubble, but Doan’s about as close as you can get to a lock for that 4th line.
Yes. I concur with your statement.
Lucic will not make this team.