Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, and Alex Pietrangelo are the first names Canada Men’s hockey team submitted as part of their 2022 Beijing Olympics team. All the participating countries were requested to declare three players last month. The general manager, Doug Armstrong, claimed that Hockey Canada’s choices were straightforward. The names were presented to the Canadian Olympic Committee, which afterward forwarded them to the International Olympic Committee.

During the announcement, Armstrong also stated that the three players did not need an introduction because their achievements speak for themselves. For example, he highlighted how Alex has enough experience thanks to the exposure he got from the 2014 Sochi Olympics team and the 2016 Hockey World Cup team.

He further explained that the three are on top of their game in the league and have a proven track record. They have been instrumental in making their teams the preferred NHL computer selection because of their performances on the pitch. So, who are these three prolific hockey players?

Crosby – The Team Leader

Crosby is Pittsburgh Penguins captain and is fondly remembered for scoring an overtime goal in the gold medal game that gave Canada a 3-2 win over the United States in the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. At 34, the center captained Canada at Sochi and the World Cup, and they won in both cases.

Armstrong revealed that he had many conversations with Crosby and still regards him as the team leader. He also revealed that their relationship goes back to the 2010 Olympics, and he considers Crosby as his best friend. Apart from that, Armstrong also believes that Crosby will help the team greatly, especially the coaching staff. He expects the “team leader” to deliver messages from the coaching staff to the rest of the team.

The GM also acknowledged that Crosby had been the best player in the world for over 10 years. In this regard, he expects the other players to respect him just like his teammates respected him when he wore the captain’s armband at the 2014 Olympics.

McDavid – The Olympic Debutant

This will be McDavid’s first Olympic appearance. At 24, the center is Edmonton Oilers’ captain. Armstrong revealed that he had been introduced to McDavid, and he had spoken to him several times. On his part, McDavid claimed that it was an honor to be mentioned with Crosby and Pietrangelo in the same sentence. He further stated that he was humbled and excited for the opportunity to play with the game’s elite.

Pietrangelo – The Experienced One

Pietrangelo is a 31-year-old defenseman who spent his first 12 NHL seasons with the Blues. He was a key player for them, and he became their captain in his last four years. However, in October 2020, he signed a new contract with the Vegas Golden Knights.

Armstrong was part of the management team for the Olympics in 2002, 2010, and 2014. Later, he was named GM of Canada in February this year. Canada’s coaching and management staff convened a meeting last month in Banff, Alberta. It was in this meeting where the three names were agreed upon. Next, they have to present a list of 55 players who will be candidates for the Olympic team.

Can You Project Canada’s 2022 Olympic Men’s Team?

However, it is not clear who the management and coaches will announce next. The other potential names that are likely to be picked include Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron, and Nathan Mackinnon. Team Canada’s management group has been thoroughly scrutinizing players and zeroing in those fighting for roles in the team.

The GM is expecting a massive turnover from the 2014 Sochi gold-medal team. Fortunately, he is a veteran that has been involved in many international events, so he understands that the Olympic selections must be scrutinized and debated thoroughly. In this regard, he acknowledged that the 37 million Canadians would have an input in the team selection process.

Armstrong also claimed that even though he cannot guarantee victory, he can assure the Canadians that the management group will leave no stone unturned to ensure the team they put on ice will make their country proud. However, now that he told the public that they have a part to play in the team selections process, how would you rate this team selection?

This selection considers the requirements for international teams – 2 goalies, 7 defensemen, and 13 forwards with an extra player for each position.

Goalies

• Carey Price
• Jordan Binnnington
• Mackenzie Blackwood – Extra

Defencemen

• Shea Theodore – Alex Pietrangelo
• Thomas Chabot – Cale Makar
• Morgan Rielly – Dougie Hamilton
• Aaron Ekblad
• Bowen Byram – Extra

Forwards

• Nathan MacKinnon – Connor McDavid – Mitch Marner
• Brad Marchand – Sidney Crosby – Patrice Bergeron
• Jonathan Huberdeau – Brayden Point – Mark Stone
• John Tavares – Sean Couturier – Steven Stamkos
• Mark Scheifele
• Mathew Barzal – Extra