Key Takeaways:
- Jason Robertson and Adam Fox were not selected for the U.S. Olympic hockey roster, while Sam Bennett and Mark Scheifele were not picked for Canada’s team.
- Both USA Hockey and Hockey Canada have a list of players on standby in case of injuries, with Bill Guerin and Doug Armstrong revealing that there are plans in place to replace players if needed.
- Canada’s goaltending is a concern, with Jordan Binnington, Logan Thompson, and Darcy Kuemper on the roster, while the U.S. has a strong goaltending corps with Connor Hellebuyck, Jake Oettinger, and Jeremy Swayman.
- Players like Matthew Schaefer, Macklin Celebrini, and Nick Suzuki made Canada’s roster as newcomers, while the U.S. team features a mix of experienced players and young talent.
Introduction to the Olympic Rosters
The Olympic hockey rosters for the United States and Canada have been announced, and while some notable players were left off the teams, there is still a chance they could participate in the games. Jason Robertson and Adam Fox were not selected for the U.S. team, while Sam Bennett and Mark Scheifele were not picked for Canada’s team. However, both USA Hockey and Hockey Canada have a list of players on standby in case of injuries, and these players could still get a call to join their respective teams.
Canada’s Roster and Standby List
Canada’s general manager, Doug Armstrong, revealed that there is a list of players who could be called upon if injuries occur. While he did not disclose the number of players on the list, he mentioned that all players were asked if they wanted to remain in consideration and were told they would need to continue with Olympic drug-testing. Armstrong also noted that the list is long but not too long, as they are looking for specific styles of players to replace injured team members. Canada’s roster features a mix of experienced players and young talent, including 19-year-old Macklin Celebrini, Nick Suzuki, and Tom Wilson.
Canada’s Goaltending Concerns
One area of concern for Canada is goaltending, with Jordan Binnington, Logan Thompson, and Darcy Kuemper on the roster. However, Armstrong expressed confidence in Binnington’s big-game ability, and he is penciled in as the starter. Other goalies, such as Colorado’s Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood, could be potential replacements if needed. Canada’s blue line is also strong, with the entire 4 Nations-winning roster returning, although rookie Matthew Schaefer forced his way into the mix with his impressive play for the New York Islanders.
United States’ Roster and Standby List
The United States’ general manager, Bill Guerin, also has a list of players on standby in case of injuries. While he did not reveal the number of players on the list, he mentioned that there are plans in place to replace players if needed. Guerin noted that the team is not just a collection of individuals but a cohesive unit, and he is confident in the players selected for the roster. The U.S. team features a mix of experienced players and young talent, including Jason Robertson, who leads all U.S. NHL players in points, and Alex DeBrincat and Cole Caufield, who are also among the top scorers.
United States’ Goaltending and Defense
The U.S. team has a strong goaltending corps, with Connor Hellebuyck, Jake Oettinger, and Jeremy Swayman on the roster. If any of these goalies are injured, players like Spencer Knight, Thatcher Demko, and Joey Daccord could be called upon to replace them. The U.S. defense is also strong, with five left-handed-shooting defensemen and three righties selected for the roster. Adam Fox, who was not selected for the team, could be next in line to replace someone like Lane Hutson or Luke Hughes if needed.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, while some notable players were left off the U.S. and Canadian Olympic hockey rosters, there is still a chance they could participate in the games if injuries occur. Both USA Hockey and Hockey Canada have plans in place to replace players if needed, and the standby lists are filled with talented players who could make a significant impact. As the games approach, it will be interesting to see if any of these players get the call to join their respective teams and compete on the world stage.