Team Canada: what went wrong?

Question

With the benefit of one year of hindsight, what now can be said about the failure of the Canadian men's hockey team at the 2006 Olympics to do better -- much better?

Answer 1

Not taking Crosby with the team. The rest of it is all ego problems and no genuine hunger from the players, just fear of what the nation will say if they lose. Also, if Mario Lemieux hadn't had his heart beat issue, his leadership would have brought it home again to Oh Canada...

Answer 2

It definatly wasnt the goalie! because you need a solid d to stop the offence and a stong floor check.Too many of the players think they are hot shots and they think they can just walk over every other team from other countries.Unlike other teams, TEAM canada probably doesnt practice as hard and because of this, they might not be able to get as much team work going, unlike other teams that practice and work on relationship building (even though that sounds childish) thats how you win games when the whole team is passing and making plays, not one man shows.

*Just to say, i liked back in the day when TEAM USA used college kids in the olympics instead of pros, i dont think its as good, because it would be like underdogs but now its pretty much what ever team with the most pros, is most likely going to win (that didnt happen last year with canada)

Answer 3

It basically comes down to, "you can't win them all". However I do think Brad NotPitt has a good point. Selection should be based on potential in international play, not who is a big name in the NHL. Crosby should have been on that team. The "he's too young" excuse was lame, especially from a guy who was the world's highest paid hockey player when he was 17. The puck doesn't know when your birthday is. The important thing is 2010.

Answer 4

Gee - where to start??? First, a team made up of players that are ready to retire (some already have). A G.M. (Gretzky), who picked the aforementioned players, instead of picking players who were having a good season. A coach (Quinn), who has NO success in the N.H.L. (why would he have success in International hockey?). A team that didn't adapt to a changing environment, and the list goes on and on...

Answer 5

The same can be said as when Gretzky first selected the team.
He had to select veteran players that he respected and that respected him. So, the team was full of old men who'd lost their passion and fire to fight for gold.
They left Sidney and Dion and others off the team so he could keep face with the aging veterans.
Next Olympics look out. The team will be stacked with young players who will fight hard for gold.

Answer 6

I don't think it's about Canada's weakness, I think it's about strength of European teams, they are becoming better and better. After Olympics no one is considering North American teams favorites for gold at upcoming World's in Moscow. Although, it's the only chance for Wayne to get his face back.

Answer 7

Gretzky went experience but most of all he went with reputation and that was his mistake. The only good thing about this mistake is that with a guy like gretzky that mistake will never happen again
Vancouver in 2010 Crosby , Phaneuf to only name a couple, nobody will come near the gold medal

Answer 8

WAY too many egos. The '02 team were much more down to earth and they were expecting to lose, but decided that they weren't going down without a good fight. That attitude got them the gold medal.

Answer 9

2 words: Wayne Gretzky.

Answer 10

At that level of hockey, they just weren't good enough!!