Team Canada Invitees Announced

I guess my only surprises are the geezer contingent, and some of the checkers.

Lemieux, no matter how healthy should be invited. Just having him in the same dressing room as the rest of the players makes us better, and if healthy, there is no offensive force (save Jagr on the Czechs) who approaches him.

But Yzerman...I am iffy on. He's got serious wheel problems now, he hasn't had a full productive season in his last three, and IMO he duplicates much of what Lemieux already brings to the table leadership wise, without bringing the same level of offense.

I've never had a problem with Kris Draper being one of the teams designated checkers - the fact is the speedy pivot has evolved into one of the best shadows in the league, he can skate with anyone, and he has enough ability to score timely goals.

But Kirk Maltby? C'mon. He's a lower rent version of Darren McCarty without the fisticuff ability. As a 2 minutes a game checker he'll be fine, but I would have preferred more speed and skill then he can bring.

Our goaltending? Still the best in the world by a wide margin. Our #4 guy (Turco) would start for any other nation. Brodeur is King, and Luongo is his eventual successor.

Lastly, who did Paul Kariya piss off to get himself univited to these international events? He used to be a fixture on Team Canada. Is it his defense (or lack thereof)? Has his attitude towards Team Canada been soured? Or vice versa? As a top flight scoring winger with wicked wheels he last made an impact for Canada at the Olympics, and since then has been shut out of all tourneys thereafter. Just a question.