The roster's been released -- no Eric Staal except as a reserve. No Sidney Crosby at all! Hmmmm. 21 of the 23 players were on the 2002 Olympic team and/or the 2004 World Cup team.

Looks to me like Canada went for experience over youth as well. Generally speaking.

GOOD players were going to be left off one way or the other. I think the forwards look great... the D looks a bit aged to me. Regardless, they're gonna be tough to beat.

Surprised about Sidney Crosby. Just gows to show the depth from which the organizers could choose. Nice to see Jason Spezza included (as a reserve) and I'm sure we all noticed Todd Bertuzzi among those selected. Well deserved but I wonder how many times NBC will show video of his attack on Steve Moore.

~Adam

I predict that Todd Bertuzzi will be receiving the "Tonya Harding" award for Olympic spirit before the Turin Olympics conclude .

Not surprisingly, a considerable number of fans up here are not happy with the selection of Bertuzzi, although the sports media have generally been supportive. I thought Sidney Crosby might have at least made it to the 'taxi squad', but I'm sure he'll get his chance in Vancouver in 2010, as his career takes off. There had been some speculation that Gretzky would favour his Coyotes' goalie Cujo as the third goalie, but looks like Marty Turco will have that role.

Should I assume then that the general reason that Crosby was not selected, is because they want him to have more experience within the NHL first, more of a chance to mature then??

i'm surprised Ryan Smyth is still on there.. and over guys like Staal and Spezza, who are burning up the league.

There was never a doubt that Ryan Smyth would make this team. He's called Captain Canada for a reason! I mean he has NEVER turned down an opportunity to represent our country at an International Event. He has always played well on an international stage and provides an opportunity to battle hard in the corner and get battered and bruised in front of the net. So definately no surprise there.

Goaltending is no surprise either. Brodeur is a lock...Turco has busted his ass all season long and Luongo is our future so he has to be there.

As for Defence we're definately experianced to say the least. A little surprised to see Adam Foote there simply because he's struggled this season in Columbus. I would have put McCabe there but at least he's on the Taxi Squad.

For forwards...I'm very surprised to see Rick Nash named. Yes he's amazing and a sensation on the international stage but he's been injured this season while a guy like Jason Spezza has been busting his ass all year long. Very disappointed to see Spezza on the Taxi Sqaud.

None the less...Canada will win the Gold..Guarenteed!

With all the attention Sidney Crosby's omission has been getting, somewhat overlooked is the absence of Brendan Shanahan on the Canadian Olympic Team. Just more evidence of the depth from which the organizers could draw.

Didn't want to start a new thread for the Swedish team, but with Foppa, Alfreddson, and the Sundins, they'll also be strong.

~Adam