Will Tim Gleason Make the Cut For Team USA?

Heck, I was buying the buzz that he wouldn’t make the team, without benefit of analysis or any substantial evidence one way or the other.

But, seeing the stats you presented above, in which he ranks pretty highly under any sort approach applied, now sways me otherwise.

Knowing that Burke will have some degree of influence on the selection and believing that he has to admire the demonstrated character Timmy exudes…well, I’m now feeling much better about his chances.

Voted that he will indeed make it, and deservedly so.

I would love to see the Emperor on the Olympic roster, but playing for the worst team in the NHL has doomed his chances.

Did you expect anything different coming from me? I don’t buy the fact that playing for the worst team in the league will hurt his chances. (if that were the case none of our guys would be going). There are obviously a lot of politics involved with the roster selections. I was personally very surprised Mike Green wasn’t selected for Team Canada or Jussi for Finland. I will be very disappointed if he doesn’t make the cut, and Team USA will surely be missing out. Timmy for TEAM USA!!!!!!!

Canes Now just put this up

“I think my chances are 50-50,” [the Emperor] said. "I think I’ve played well enough to make an impact or make them think twice or whatever the case is. If that’s the case, obviously I’d be honored to do so. If not, then that’s the way she goes. You get 10 days off.

“It would be a great honor. I’m looking forward to the opportunity if it arises. If not, I’ll work hard and you never know if it’ll come again.”

Gleason attended the Team USA orientation camp this past summer. He said he believed the U.S. selection committee might be leaning toward taking younger players — someone like 21-year-old forward Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks, for example.

“At the camp they mentioned the 1980 (U.S.) team, where there were a lot of young no-namers, a young team,” he said. “I think they’re kind of going toward that route. I’m sure they’ll have a few veterans as well. But at the same time, I think they’re going to go a little younger and be a surprise team.”

Gleason is 26. Does that rate as young or old?
“I feel old,” he said, smiling. “But I don’t know if 26 is old in this league. On that team I think it would be closer to the older side of things. So I don’t know. I’m guessing they’ll go a bit younger, so we’ll see.”

I’m not ordering my USA Gleason jersey just yet, but after seeing the stats, his chances may be better than I originially thought.

But his biggest attribute won’t show up on a stat sheet. Gleason is the ultimate team player. He will stand up for his teammates. He will play injured. He will take a puck to the face and not only come back to finish the game, but will come back and play his heart out.

This is why he needs to be on the team. This is why he deserves to make the squad, last place team or not.

Gleason should make the team.

I hope he does….

If Jack Johnson is anywhere near the US Mens Hockey team I will be pulling for team Finland…..

Gleason for president

After seeing Finland snub Jussi on getting picked, I’m sure they’ll snub Tim on getting on Team USA. Does he deserve to? Hell yes. He’s got more heart than most people in the NHL. But I don’t think that really matters much to most of the people picking the players it seems.

I would put Gleason on the team over Martin, Hainsey, Gilbert, JJ, and Komisarek for sure.

here are 3 so-called hockey/media experts with their Team USA rosters that they named today

James Mirtle
Burnside and LeBrun at ESPN

Gleason’s not even on the radar, the fence or the bubble in any of the stories.

For those who are, who’s going to go eat somewhere first?

Anyone watching the winter classic practice session on NHLNetwork. They just spent several minutes discussing LaViolette’s system/style as it pertained to his success with the Canes in 06 and how it (and the NHL) has evolved and responded. Fascinating – and very much relevant to us who have watched our team change under Mo and why.

Then they went on to talk in great detail about the amazingly improbable career of Michael Leighton, casting him as a “cinderella” of the story. He got a new Flyers mask finally. Apparently the white mask he’s been wearing was his Carolina one covered in white tape.

Andy Strickland who blogs for the Blues on hockeybuzz says Team USA has already made most of the calls to those who were invited but did not make the team. Fingers crossed for Timmy.

Puck Daddy doesn’t seem to think that Tim is even in the conversation for the team despite using this photo to lead off the defense selections:

Jerk.