"Based on their play in this year's playoffs, and the second half of the regular season, too, you'd...

"Based on their play in this year's playoffs, and the second half of the regular season, too, you'd have to think Carolina's Cam Ward is the leading candidate to be the starter for Team Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympics ahead of veteran Martin Brodeur and former leading contender Roberto Luongo. That said, a lot could change between now and then."

Sportsnet.ca's — and ex-columnist at The Hockey News —Mike Brophy

about 3 years ago Cory Lavalette 7 comments 0 recs |

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Man, I’d love for Canadians to have to deal with the fact that their national team’s starting goalie plays in North Carolina!

Still not a crook!

by TrickyD26 on May 18, 2009 2:10 PM EDT reply actions

As opposed to New Jersey?

Now, if Ward gets the nod and we don’t win the gold in Vancouver, he will be booed in Canada for life! ;)

by CarolinaCanuck on May 18, 2009 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes but NJ is a "traditional market"

it’s the non-traditional ones, like Raleigh, that don’t belong.

To have the Canadian goalie be from NC and win (sorry Cam, I’m pulling for the US on that one unless you care to get dual citizenship and play for the US?) would legitimize hockey below some imaginary line where hockey shouldn’t exist in the “hockey purists’” minds.

Knowledge is Power!
Power Corrupts!
Study hard,
Become Evil!

by lcd2you on May 18, 2009 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions

How do you figure that would change minds?

The best hockey players play in the NHL, and make millions, not too many would care where they play (unless you’re Eric Lindros). Cam is in Carolina, but him winning the gold could as easily make people say he should be playing in a Canadian franchise as opposed to calling Carolina “legit.”

by 13_Legion on May 18, 2009 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions

We're not talking the World

we’re talking Canadians here. Yes, winning the gold might, and I say might, legitimize hockey being OK in NORTH Carolina but not much else below the line. Losing or not getting anything in medals could turn back the clock for some of the “purists” for a long time to come.

Of course you could be very correct and that it will allow “sunbelt teams” to become more legitimate but after reading a few of the comments by NHL reporters of Canadian or US stripes, I have a feeling that no matter what happens, it would be turned into a negative.

Knowledge is Power!
Power Corrupts!
Study hard,
Become Evil!

by lcd2you on May 18, 2009 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions