Key Takeaways
- Jason Robertson and Adam Fox did not make the U.S. Olympic hockey roster, while Sam Bennett and Mark Scheifele were not picked to play for Canada.
- Both USA Hockey and Hockey Canada have a group of players on standby who could get a call in the event of injuries.
- The U.S. and Canada have identified players who can fill in if needed, but the exact number of players on the waitlist has not been revealed.
- The teams have a plan in place in case of injuries, with a list of players to consider based on the style of player who gets hurt.
- Goaltending is Canada’s biggest unknown, with Jordan Binnington penciled in as the starter, while the U.S. has a handful of options in net if anything happens to their goalies.
Introduction to the U.S. Olympic Hockey Roster
The U.S. Olympic hockey roster was recently announced, and some notable players were left off the list. Jason Robertson, who leads all U.S. NHL players in points, and Adam Fox, a skilled defenseman, were not included in the roster. However, this does not mean that they will not be able to participate in the Olympics. USA Hockey has a group of players on standby who could get a call in the event of injuries. U.S. general manager Bill Guerin stated that there is a plan in place and a number of players have been identified who can fill in if needed.
The U.S. Waitlist and Injuries
Guerin did not want to reveal the exact number of players on the waitlist, but he mentioned that all players were asked if they wanted to remain in consideration and were told they would need to keep doing Olympic drug-testing. This suggests that the players on the waitlist are still being considered and are required to meet certain requirements in case they are called upon to join the team. Guerin also emphasized that the team is not just a group of individuals, but a cohesive unit, and that the selection process is not just based on statistics. He mentioned that if the selection process were based solely on stats, then there would be no need for a general manager or coach.
Canada’s Olympic Hockey Roster and Waitlist
Canada’s Olympic hockey roster was also announced, and some surprising omissions were made. Sam Bennett, a back-to-back Stanley Cup champion, and Mark Scheifele, a point-a-game player, were not included in the roster. However, like the U.S., Canada has a group of players on standby who could get a call in the event of injuries. Canada GM Doug Armstrong stated that there were a number of players who came right down to the wire and that no player has played their way off the team. He also mentioned that the team brought back its entire 4 Nations blue line, and that a standout rookie, Matthew Schaefer, forced himself into the mix.
Goaltending and the Olympics
Goaltending is undoubtedly Canada’s biggest unknown, with Jordan Binnington penciled in as the starter. However, the U.S. also has a handful of options in net if anything happens to their goalies, including Connor Hellebuyck, Jake Oettinger, and Jeremy Swayman. In the event of an injury, the U.S. could call upon Spencer Knight, Thatcher Demko, or Joey Daccord. Canada’s goaltending situation is less certain, but Armstrong has expressed confidence in Binnington’s big-game ability. The Olympics are a high-pressure tournament, and goaltending will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the games.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, while some notable players were left off the U.S. and Canada Olympic hockey rosters, there is still a chance that they could participate in the Olympics if injuries occur. Both teams have a plan in place and a group of players on standby who could get a call in the event of injuries. The Olympics are a highly competitive tournament, and the U.S. and Canada will need to be prepared for any situation that may arise. With a strong team and a solid plan in place, both countries are ready to compete at the highest level and bring home the gold.
