CrashingTheGoalie

by Drew Baird

Just fourty-six days remain until the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games hosted this year in beautiful Vancouver. Just fourty-six days until we play host to the arguably the best hockey Vancouver has played host too. My name is Drew Baird, I’m 22 years old and that is about how long I’ve  lived in BC for. I’ve been presented the tremendous opportunity to work at a restaurant in the Olympic Athletes Village during the games.

With such little time left until the games I’d like to weigh in on a few things.

A big question mark still not answered is who should captain team Canada. Now being able to debate with so many potential candidates is quite the luxury to have. It isn’t like we have to debate who shows more leadership Christian Ehrhoff or Jochen Hecht like the Germans. Some people say Jarome Iginla is next in line to lead this team, others say Sid the kid. From the back end Scott Niedermeyer is a stand out candidate as well. These guys have all at the very least captained a team to the Stanley Cup final and would definitely garner the respect of the boys in the room.

I think the best option for this team is Scott Niedermeyer. Scott is the player on this team with the most big game experience as well as the most experience playing on international ice. He has been the captain of two different teams (NJ and Anaheim) and is the most veteran player set to make this team.

Sidney Crosby is the face of the game today. He is the youngest player to be named captain and captain a championship team winning the cup in just his third season.

However, he is still only 22. Sidney will have plenty of opportunity to lead Team Canada throughout his promising looking career, this year is just a bit too soon. He will be one of the younger players on the team, and it will be important for everyone to listen when the captain speaks.

Jarome Iginla is another name tossed around like Mike Sillinger. He has a great shot not just with the puck but at leading this team. He is an absolute force and a do it all forward with a toughness element. Something a few of the forwards on this team will lack. If Scott leads the back Jarome should lead the charge up front. He was one of the teams’ strongest performers in 02 potting 3 big goals in 6 games and learning from the great Burnaby Joe. Although he lead the Flames to the Stanley cup finals on one occasion, it is pretty easy to see Scott Niedermeyer is the option with more experience both internationally and professionally.

Scott Nidermeyer knows what it takes to win and has demonstrated it at every level. He has the experience of losing the big game (96 world cup, 06 olympics) and celebrating the success of winning a championship (He is the only player in history to ever take home every major North American and international hockey title.). He understands the role of being a captain and getting the most out of his players. When he talks I mean who isn’t going to listen to the future Hall of Fame member.

When all is said and done Scott Niedermeyer is the best leader this nation has to offer, no questions asked.

*****

photo courtesy of blogues.cyberpresse.ca