Friday, July 31, 2009

Stepping up to the plate...

Unfortunately here at Canada Twenty Ten, we've both been extremely busy lately. With wedding season in full bloom, the nice weather finally starting to show up, and sneaking in rounds of golf whenever possible, it has led to a shortage in posts.

However, there really hasn't been that much to report on lately, but over the past week a couple worthy news tidbits have come up that are definitely worth discussing.

First off is this piece from the CTV Olympic homepage, where our boy, Marty Brodeur has said that it will be up to the "Young Guns" (not to be confused with this 1988... classic?) to really step up this coming February and lead this team to victory.

Ever since Matty and I started having these discussions one of my biggest gripes with the way Team Canada always seems to be run is that they always seem to bring along too many veterans. I have no problem with the experience factor, but if you take too many veterans, I just feel like their legs may not be able to keep up with some of the other younger squads that are iced for the tournament. Some veteran leadership is great, too much of it is just tiring.

This is why I believe this story is news worthy. I like how a veteran, who is probably one of the three safest players going to camp who will actually be on the team, is coming out and acknowledging these kids are going to be big time players for the Twentyten team. I think that most people I've spoken with agree that we need some of these younger kids there. Crosby, Getzlaf and Eric Staal are all what should be "givens", but with guys like Perry, Carter and younger brother Jordan Staal all on the bubble in my opinion, I believe that these guys are guys that should be on the team over some of the older guys that are being considered for the same spots on the team.

This also has a bit of a two-pronged effect. These young kids, who I am sure are all plenty confident about their own ability but may be feeling just a few butterflies about making the team, will have that little boost from a guy they know will be counted on for this team saying that they're going to be needed. This may just be all in my head, but I have to believe that some of these guys who know their on the bubble could really use a push like that from a guy they respect.

The other newsworthy piece to report actually deals with one of these kids who I have on just about any team I build, Ryan Getzlaf, who apparently had surgery for a sports henia on Wednesday. This of course means Getzy will be missing the orientation camp when it begins in the latter part of August. Could this hurt his chances of being on the team? I think it does, but I still think he's there in Vancouver. The kid has been dynamite in the NHL, showing improvement every season, and his performance with Heatley and Nash a couple years back definitely plays in his favor. That being said, if he comes out of the gates slow this season, showing that he's not fully recovered, I wouldn't put it past any of the Twentyten brass to consider someone else for his spot, and there will surely be someone who will gladly step in.

Oh and in case you didn't know... camp starts in 24 days...

WHAMMO!!

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

On mice and men

As Matty pointed out last night, the NHLPA is worried about players getting injured skating this summer at the orientation camp, and in a beautiful use of the word "really", really hammered the point home that this it's insane to not let these men go out and do what they do best, and that is play hockey.

Fortunately for us, the players feel the same way as we do in this piece from TSN.ca. Three guys that I all have pegged to be in the lineup when the team takes the ice, Rick Nash, Joe Thornton and Marty Brodeur, all say that it's ridiculous and plan to be on the ice in August when the possible skaters get together for the first time.

Let me just remind you that the team did skate together at the orientation camp in 2002 and things seemed to turn out pretty well for Canadian hockey then... (let's not talk about 2006 or Torino).

If there are any players that are to come forward and say they don't want to take the ice, that they believe that a single practice the day before their first game in Vancouver will suffice, I don't think I'd want them on the team. This team will have no room for softies, though in reality, I don't think any of these Canadian boys are soft, and every one of them will want to take the ice in August for their country.

Monday, July 20, 2009

An unwarranted and unnecessary recommendation

In a move that I can only deem as utterly foolish, the NHLPA has apparently recommended to its players to skip the on-ice sessions at this summer's Olympic summer training camps.

The NHLPA says taking part in the on-ice sessions poses an "unwarranted and unnecessary risk" to the players and their health.

Really NHLPA...Really??? On-ice session pose a serious risk to players health...really? The thing that these guys train day and night to do, poses a risk so high to them that they are advised not to do so...really?

Don't you know that this is how hockey players hurt themselves in the summer.

I wonder if Brian Burke has requested to Johnson that he stay off the golf course this summer as well.

Utterly foolish!

WHAMMO!!

Friday, July 17, 2009

Our apologies

Dewey and I would like to apoligize to all you twentyteners out there for our recent lack of blog posts...there's really no excuse for it, and I can guarentee you that come next week we will have LOTS of fodder to flow with.

You see, today, we are taking off on a little road-trip to Prince Edward Island to partake in the bachelor party of one of our good friends...we'll call him Mr. Whale. There will be 20 guys on this roadie and we are certain that the subject of Olympic hockey twentyten will arise and debate will run wild.

Best to all for a fun and safe weekend. Till the next.

WHAMMO!!

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Top 10 - Things never heard in the Twentyten house

I thought it would be fun to come up with something a little different for this post. Matty and I talk. We talk a lot. We discuss a wide range of subjects with an tone that can only be described as cynical sarcastic. It would be too difficult to write all of the great lines we come up with, and there are some dandies, but it would just be too hard to choose the best. So instead, in true David Letterman style, I present you with the top 10 things NOT heard in the Twentyten household...


10. Let's not BBQ this week...

9. I wish Hal Gill was on our side for the games

8. "The Quiz" is so much better without Torts

7. Sweet! "Friday Night Football" is on!

6. Chris Osgood wasn't nominated for the Vezina?! WTF?!

5. Come quick!! Sportsnet Connected is starting!!

4. What a stellar defensive play from Wade Redden!

3. Let's not watch sports tonight...

2. I'm sick of Onrait and O'Toole...


... and the number 1 thing you'll never hear in the Twentyten house is...


1. Nice one! McGuire and Miller in '1-Up, 1-Down' tonight!


WHAMMO!

Friday, July 10, 2009

Find him a spot!

Please see article re: Joe Sakic's retirement announcment:

He ruled out any possibility of making an Olympic comeback this fall or winter, saying he doesn't feel he can elevate his game to the level required. He, however, said he would be honoured to accept an off-ice role with the team if one is offered to him.

Hmmmm...what a novel idea.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Why must they do this to me???

First Pierre McGuire...and now Nick Kypreos

Same questions...same nonsense.

...Same feeling of nausea inside.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Fire Pierre McGuire

For those unfamiliar; this post is inspired by this blog.

Once again, our friends (and obvious twentyteners) at CTV have allowed Pierre McGuire to have his say on our twentyten team. I cringe every time I read anything written or spoken by the man, and alas…this time was not much better.

Below, I highlight some of the contradictory, blatantly obvious, and rambling musings of McGuire's article

When asked what he thought about the five goalies selected to camp:

“Those are the five that should be there.” Those are the five best right now that are Canadian…”

Really Pierre…Really??? You agree that those five are the best five to be there…really? Why don’t I take you you back to an article from only two weeks ago (June 26) where you discussed the potential goalies who could make up the twentyten roster. (Found Here).

To recount: Brodeur, Luongo, Ward, Fleury…and oh who? Price and Osgood? …and, oh wait a minute, no mention of Mason.

So, let me get this straight Pierre.The five chosen for camp are the best Canadians right now. There have been no games played since your last musings two weeks ago when you included two goalies who were not invited, and did not include the goalie that canadatwentyten.blogspot.com correctly predicted would be invited

When asked if he saw any players not invited to camp, playing their way onto the team:

“I could see Marc Savard because he'll be watching Milan Lucic a lot…”

I don’t even know what that is supposed to mean. Those two, in case you haven’t notice O Shiny Bald One, play very different types of games. I fail to see how Savard will make the team by watching Lucic.

“Ed Jovanovski if he has a tremendous start to the year. Maybe Chris Phillips if he has an amazing start…”

OH COMMON!! If these guys aren’t even in the top 16, they aren’t going to be in the final seven.

When asked why he thought Steven Stamkos was left off the camp roster:

“When you look at it, Ryan Getzlaf right now is ahead of Steven Stamkos…”

That’s not insightful…that’s painstakingly obvious. To recap: Getzlaf, almost a point a game through four NHL seasons (91 & 82 the past two) and not to mention a Stanley Cup. Stamkos: yes, a nice hockey player and soon to be All-Star, but really Pierre…
really???

When asked about possible defesive pairing taking shape:

“Phaneuf and Weber in the 2005 world juniors were an unbelievable tandem against Alexander Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin during the whole tournament and in the gold medal game.”

I just laughed at this one, in light of a recent post by Dewey.

When asked about Brian Burke calling Chelios personally and extending an invitation to an off-ice role:

“Steve doesn't have to call and apologize to anyone. This isn't highschool hockey or the local house league. These are big time players. Anyone that plays hockey for money understands. It's a cold hard world.” …then just rambles on and on and on.

Nevermind the non-sensical nature of his response here. I have already made clear…several time…how Stevie Y can reach out to a certain hockey icon and offer him an off-ice post with the twentyten team.

Pierre’s final words of wisdom:

“Anyone that's a fan of Canadian hockey should be impressed.”


Close Pierre, close. But it shoulda been, “And if you’re a fan of Canadian hockey, get excited…”

Keyboard Cat... play our friend Pierre away...

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Burnaby Joe should still go!!

He can only be described as one of the greats. Classy, smooth, unassuming, and boy whatta wrister. I have to admit I sighed in resignation when I heard the news via a text from Dewey a short while ago.

In a career that spaned twenty years, with two cups, a Conn Smythe, Lester B. Pearson, Lady Byng and Hart trophy each, his defining moment in the eyes of many Canadians will perhaps be in February of 2002 as Joe Sakic, on a line with Jerome Iginla and Simon Gagne, led Canada to its first Olympic Gold Medal in 50 years.

As a kid, I idolized sports broadcasters - hockey and harness racing alike - who doesn't love a good call...and I will never forget Bob Cole's words, even his unique intonation as Sakic slide into the boards after firing home the fifth goal against Mike Richter and the U.S. (Oh how I will miss Bob Cole at the twentyten games...he may be slipping, but man is the guy a great cheerleader or what!)

This video gives me goosebumps

With Sakic's retirement imminent, I harken all you twentyteners back to an earlier post of mine (found here) where I suggested a route that Stevie Y could take to make sure Burnaby Joe had a place on this team.

Kuddos on a fantastic career Joe...You are a class act and will remain a hockey icon in the eyes of a certain two bloggers.

Sakic retires, causes confusion

One of the big topics of discussion for us thus far has been the status of Joe Sakic, and whether or not he will play for team TwentyTen in Vancouver. It was made clear that originally, he was not on the roster of 44 invited to camp, but Stevie Y called him up, asked him whether he was good to go or not, and put him on the list when he indicated he was good to go.

All that became a moot point today as TSN is reporting that Joe Sakic will announce his retirement on Thursday. Joe was one of my favorite players ever in the NHL, and no doubt throws a big wrench into the whole TwentyTen situation.

No doubt many posts and debates will come from this...

Line juggling

As Matty and I sat around last night thinking up who could possibly make up the "grind line" (post on that to come soon, rest assured). I questioned whether or not the name "grind line" still held relevance and what other names you might possibly be able to give such a line. Unfortunately, we were unable to come up with any real great names for our grinders, but we did manage to come up with some pretty interesting line possibilities for Coach Babcock to try out at this summer's orientation camp. We know that Nash, Healtey and Getzlaf will more than likely be the number two line after their showing at the worlds a couple of years ago, but these lineups we thought up were a little more unorthodox, and we believe could bring some real spark to the twentyten team.

Hockey Canada has already taken a bunch of our suggestions for who to bring to camp, while also overlooking a few (no matter how much they deny it), but they might as well try some of these lineup combinations, which we would love to see.

The Staal Line - So obvious that it almost makes me sick. You take the three Staal kids, you throw them on the ice together and you watch the magic happen as it did on the outdoor rink oh so many years ago in Thunder Bay. While the naysayers may argue that Marc is a defenseman, I don't think it matters. He could play opposite of Eric, and the two of them could flank brother Jordan. It's crazy enough that it just might work.

The Poutine Line - Our friends in Quebec were not represented as much as some may have thought, with the exclusion of Savard and Briere to name a couple, but that doesn't mean team twentyten isn't laden with French talent up front. Simon Gagne would be the fries for the line, a solid base, while Vinny Lecavilier and Martin St-Louis would top it off with gravy and curds, which work so well together. I know that I have said that I didn't think St-Louis should be on the team (or even at the camp), but on a line like this, it would just be so delici... good, I mean good.

The Goals of the Year Line - Nash, Toews, Getzlaf. These three guys are all absolute beauty players who, over the past few seasons in the NHL, have scored some of the nicest goals we've ever seen. Putting them on a line together would no doubt cause a cataclysmic effect on the ice, the likes of which we've never seen leading to some of the greatest goals in the history of everything.

The 'Extra Maple Syrup' Line - It hasn't been talked about much, but one of the players overlooked to come to camp for a goaltending spot was on JC Petit. The competition was fierce though, and not even we had him pegged to make it to camp, so his omission by the brass is forgiven. However, in honor of JC comes this line. Marty St-Louis again plays on this line, with Andy McDonald and... uh... well, there's not really another "small" guy that I can find going to camp, so we'll just take any of the guys off what is an undersized American team. It may be a bit of a problem getting them on to the Canadian team, but I mean, to see what would resemble a Timbits Hockey squad on the ice at camp would be a once in a lifetime event.

The 'Pierre McGuire Just Blew His Load' Defensive Pairing - The only non-offensive grouping on this list, and because Pierre loves everyone, it was probably the hardest one to pick. However, that being said, we really couldn't figure out who would cause McGuirre to go off on a string of "kaboom" and "whammos" like would Dion Phaneuf and Shea Weber. It was this tandem that really led to a lot of Pete's ridiculous sayings back in 2005 when the World Juniors were played in Grand Forks, Michigan. Here, the defensive pairing not only led Canada to Gold then, which is the color we're all expecting to see in Vancouver, but it also led to the now famous "Double Dion", just another intolerable call from our old 'buddy' McGuire. If you're a fan of Canadian Hockey, then you're excited at the prospect of these two playing together again.

That's all we have for now, but with 46 guys, there are sure to be other creative ideas out there. What about you? Got any good line ideas?

Monday, July 6, 2009

Captain Canada vs. Captain Canada

Dewey, the upstanding young gentleman that he is, notified me today that our readership over the past couple weeks has risin significantly. This can only mean one of two things: either you all put a wealth of stock in our musings...or you all find us amusing. Whichever the case, you, our readership, are now officially named "The twentyteners"...to quote Dewey when I suggested the name, "I like it. It's corny enough it just might work."

Just the same, I couldn't help but wonder about the origins of a certain story I found today on www.ctvolympics.ca, which raised the question over who is best suited to lead the twentyten Canadian team. The title of this story "Captain, My Captain?" (found here) reminded me of one of my own posts from only a few short weeks ago - See Here Well, I guess we know where our new readership is coming from Dewey! Way to go us!

This got me thinking about a couple other "Captains" who have endeared themselves to many of us over the past decade, as they have more than a few times answered the bell for Canada at the World Championships. Of course, I speak of Shane Doan and
Ryan Smyth both aptly identified by many amongst us as Captain Canada.

So I raise the question, who would you take on your team? Both are, excuse the corniness, 'heart and soul' type guys. Gritty leaders who can be counted on to head to the front of the net, dig in the corners, drop the mits and score the big goal. Look at their stats over their careers and you will see that they are almost identical.

More importantly, as we've seen from their previous Olympic and World Championship contributions, they can be counted on to show up for the Maple Leaf when it counts the most. Yes, it's because they play on terrible teams, but just the same we've loved seeing them in the 'red and white'.

As a realist, I am rather confident that there is not room for both these vets on the twentyten team. And to be completely honest, I don't think that either one of them should be on the team at all...not with the likes of Morrow, M. Richards, J. Staal and Lucic - did I mention we love Lucic - (to name a few) as the young guns vying for those checking line roles.

Just the same, I feel it right to give these "not to be overlooked" Captain Canada's their proper due.

Friday, July 3, 2009

I can see Cleary now the rain has gone...

In what was clearly an exciting day for hockey fans from coast to coast (especially a certain two in Halifax), yesterday Stevie Y and the Hockey Canada brass made their preliminary intentions known by selecting the 46 players who will battle for a spot on the twentyten team at this summer's evaluation camp. Dewey's sophisticated post from last night, mentions several of the odd, as well as, blatantly apparent omissions from the list. It's worth nothing, that all-in-all we are on the same page when it comes to our view of the omissions. The same can be said of some of the odd, as well as blatantly apparent additions to the camp roster, of which I will highlight a few.

First thing's first:

Danny Cleary - Not only is Cleary now "Havin a time", but the rugged sniper from Harbour Grace, N.L. is goin to camp. Now don't get me wrong, I love what a guy like Cleary brings to an NHL team (54 goals over the last three seasons with a talent heavy Wings team). He's tough, he's talented, he can play big in big situations, he has a cup...but really??? invited to camp ahead of guys like Savard, Spezza, Stamkos? While he does bring more sandpaper than those three; guys like Lucic, M. Richards, Morrow and Doan should, and will in my summation, be the guys to fight for those checking line roles. Being the political junkie that I am, I can only assume that the Cleary pick has much more to do with an ethic of regional representation and balance, similar to how our Prime Minister chooses his cabinet based on regional considerations. Cleary goes to camp as the Honorable Member from Newfoundland, Minister of Really good playoff beards. But he won't be making the cut to 23, and you can take that to the bank. Just the same...Congrats Cleary, this should somewhat vindicate your being left off three consecutive World Junior teams, at a time when you were a prolific junior scorer.

Andy McDonald: In a word...er, in a phrase: Out of left field? Just guess I didn't see this one coming. Especially considering the three "S"'s left of the camp roster, not to mention Andy's teammate Brad Boyes. Of course he has answered the bell for Canada before at the World's and has been a solid point producer, despite missing half of last year.

Stephane Robidas: In a word (two)...mais quoi? Robidas is a stone cold shocker to me. Yes, he's a former Q league All-Star and best defenseman, but how is he there over guys like Coburn and Campbell? He may be a fiesty little sh*t with a ton of heart, but like the two above, will not be a member of the twentyten team.

Alright, now to mention the pleseant surprises of this year's camp roster:

Milan Lucic: WE LOVE THIS GUY!! Funny dynamic though, that he makes the camp roster while his more accomplished teammates, Savard and Patrice Bergeron are left out. As I saw someone post on twitter yesterday...maybe he'll knock some sense into Heatley at the camp.

Francois Beaucheman: Another guy who I would go to war with...and I bet if you asked them, Pronger and Neidermayer would say the same. Does this guy just go about his business and get the job done or what? He'll really garner some serious consideration from the twentyten braintrust with a great camp and solid start to the season.

Yes there are others to talk about, but hey...we've got seven months still to cover until we head to Vancouver.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Missing the Marc?

So earlier today Hockey Canada released the names of the guys who will be attending the olympic orientation camp this August. As great as the names are that are on that list, we, as a blog, have to focus on the negative, so let the second guessing begin:

Marc Savard - In a word: Really? Savard was left off the list and was the biggest shock to me. I was listening to Prime Time Sports tonight and heard Johnny Misley, Executive Vice President of Operations for Hockey Canada, talking about how the biggest problem they had in the room was that there were so many good centers to choose from (listen to the full interview here). However, he also mentioned that they had looked at the players last three years, as well as their resume playing internationally. Savard's last three years are 96, 78 (in 74 games), and 88 just last season, his international resume may not look like much, but that of course is because his team has been playing in the playoffs, making it a bit hard to make it to the worlds. There's not much more he could have done, if that doesn't merit a trip to camp, he won't be on the team. They (the brass) must not have believed that he could move to a wing, as some other players will have to do, or maybe they just didn't have enough S' to put on the jerseys, thanks to inviting so many Staal brothers, which might help explain the next two omissions as well.

Jason Spezza - In a word: Statement. One of the first things from Matty upon learning of Spezza not being on the team was that despite being a superstar, also being a "sometimer just don't jive". No doubt this omission probably came as a bit of a shock to him as well, having answered the call for Canada in the past and playing in the worlds the last few years. Spezza certainly has fallen far from the accolades (the next Gretzky) he recieved at 16. We'll see how this plays out for Spezza, whether it will inspire him to come out and play like he's capable of, or whether he'll just bury his head in the sand... or whatever it is they have like sand in Ottawa.

Steven Stamkos - In a word: Disappointing. Stamkos had a rough start to his NHL career. After being selected first overall, his rookie season started with normal rookie struggles, along with a coach who didn't believe he was ready for the show. He struggled in the first half and some started to wonder if Tocchet had a point. However, he really seemed to figure it out in the second half, finishing the season with 23 goals and 46 points. He followed that up by going to the worlds and being an offensive force for the Canadian team. You almost hope that performance would have got him to Calgary for camp, but apparently his spot had to be given to Andy MacDonald.

Brian Campbell - In a word: Who the soup guy? Brian Campbell signed a deal with the Chicago Blackhawks last offseason after having been dealt to the Sharks at the NHL trade deadline from the Sabres. He then proceeded to take the money he got from signing that contract and entered the witness protection program. I'd imagine that Stevie and the rest of the gang probably just forgot his name. Of course I'm joking, but it's not surprising that Campbell was left off the roster, as two of his teammates outplayed and over shadowed him this season past.

Braydan Coburn - In a word: Puzzling. They took 16 defenseman and he wasn't one of them. A young kid like him fits the mold like Seabrook, Keith and Hamhuis, but didn't make it. The only reason I guess that he would have overlooked would be that I guess you can have too many good, young, strong defenseman. (But don't tell that to Pierre McGuire, WHAMMO!)

Carey Price - In a word: Expected. How far has Price fallen in the last year? A year ago, if you had asked who would be in nets for team TwentyTen, everyone's answer would have been the same, "Brodeur, Luongo, Price". After his amazing playoff run with the Habs in '08, that version of Price seems like a distant memory. He posted a winning record this past season, at 23-16-10, but had a save percentage of only .905, and had a goals against of nearly 3. Between guys like Ward, Fleury and Mason really stepping up this year, and Price's regression, his being left off this list was surely an easy choice. (Matty's quick summation: "The Price is wrong, bitch!")

Chris Osgood - In a word: Talbot. In the same interview I mentioned earlier, Misley did say something that made the Savard omission a little easier to swallow. He said there was no agenda for anyone in the room making the choices. This makes the Cleary choice a bit puzzling to me, but it keeps Osgood out of nets for Canada in twentyten, and that makes me happy.

Potent Notables (that we're also leaving off our list) - Daniel Briere (who we actually had going to camp in our original list), Brad Richards, Mike Cammalleri, Patrice Bergeron

The list will be trimmed from 46 to 23 before we go to Vancouver next year, and while we are disappointed in these omissions, we can't help but think that it will make predicting who's on the team just that much easier... I'm looking at you Robidas!

A quick look at the list

The cat is out of the bag and the summer invitees have been anounced! Matty and I have been all over twitter and no doubt tonight we will have a few posts discussing the interesting and surprising choices for players both on and off the list of 46 good Canadian boys. For now, enjoy the list (via TSN).

Forwards
  • Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins)
  • Shane Doan (Phoenix Coyotes)
  • Simon Gagné (Philadelphia Flyers)
  • Dany Heatley (Ottawa Senators)
  • Jarome Iginla (Calgary Flames)
  • Rick Nash (Columbus Blue Jackets)
  • Joe Sakic (Colorado Avalanche)
  • Martin St-Louis (Tampa Bay Lightning)
  • Eric Staal (Carolina Hurricanes)
  • Joe Thornton (San Jose Sharks)
  • Vincent Lecavalier (Tampa Bay Lightning)
  • Jeff Carter (Philadelphia Flyers)
  • Ryan Getzlaf (Anaheim Ducks)
  • Milan Lucic (Boston Bruins)
  • Patrick Marleau (San Jose Sharks)
  • Andy McDonald (St. Louis Blues)
  • Brenden Morrow (Dallas Stars)
  • Corey Perry (Anaheim Ducks)
  • Michael Richards (Philadelphia Flyers)
  • Derek Roy (Buffalo Sabres)
  • Patrick Sharp (Chicago Blackhawks)
  • Ryan Smyth (Colorado Avalanche)
  • Jordan Staal (Pittsburgh Penguins)
  • Jonathan Toews (Chicago Blackhawks)
  • Dan Cleary (Detroit Red Wings)

Defensemen
  • Jay Bouwmeester (Calgary Flames)
  • Dan Boyle (San Jose Sharks)
  • Scott Niedermayer (Anaheim Ducks)
  • Chris Pronger (Philadelphia Flyers)
  • Robyn Regehr (Calgary Flames)
  • Dion Phaneuf (Calgary Flames)
  • Marc Staal (New York Rangers)
  • Shea Weber (Nashville Predators)
  • François Beauchemin (Anaheim Ducks)
  • Brent Burns (Minnesota Wild)
  • Drew Doughty (Los Angeles Kings)
  • Stéphane Robidas (Dallas Stars)
  • Mike Green (Washington Capitals)
  • Dan Hamhuis (Nashville Predators)
  • Duncan Keith (Chicago Blackhawks)
  • Brent Seabrook (Chicago Blackhawks)

Goaltenders
  • Martin Brodeur (New Jersey Devils)
  • Roberto Luongo (Vancouver Canucks)
  • Marc-André Fleury (Pittsburgh Penguins)
  • Steve Mason (Columbus Blue Jackets)
  • Cam Ward (Carolina Hurricanes)

Quick note: We correctly predicted the five goalies selected to attend camp! You're welcome Stevie Y!

Today's the day

As most of you probably were, I spent yesterday maxing and relaxing on the day of birth of this great country of ours. While I did manage to squeeze in 18 holes of golf and keep up to date on the free agent "frenzy", I missed this tasty little nugget where it was announced that today the summer camp list will be unveiled.

This is our list from the end of May. No doubt Stevie Y has only had to look at it the once and realized the sheer genius of our combined hockey minds and only had to click the "print" button. unless of course the forces of evil's whispers have been heard and our list will be proven to be completely wrong and we'll be mocked and laughed at relentlessly.

Either way, it's a big day for Team TwentyTen, and will no doubt be a great discussion point for the next 8 months!