However being up for the challenge I decided that since these two states border each other, why not combine the two and see what kind of team we could have. (as could be seen with Team Maritimes, when you don’t have enough players from one region, why not combine).

So without further ado, here is Team Illisconsin.

Coach: Tony Granato.  Despite his recent demotion/promotion, I’m giving the pride of Downers Grove, Illinois the head coaching mantle.  He is a perfect choice to lead this mixed squad.  He played for the University of Wisconsin and he was born and raised in Illinois. 

Goalies:

1. Craig Anderson (IL)

2. Al Montoya (IL)

3. Tyler Plante (WI)

Defense:

1.  Ryan Suter (WI)

2.  Joe Corvo (IL)

3.  Tom Pressing (IL)

4.  Brett Lebda (IL)

5.  Chris Chelios (IL)

6.  Andy Wozniewski (IL)

7.  Andrew Hutchinson (IL)

Forwards:

1.  Phil Kessel (WI)

2.  Joe Pavelski (WI)

3.  Bates Battaglia (IL)

4.  Drew Stafford (WI)

5.  Adam Burrish (WI)

6.  Brad Winchester (WI)

7.  David Steckel (WI)

8.  Jared Boll (IL)

9.  Bill Sweatt (IL)

10.  Jake Dowell (WI)

11.  Jack Skille (WI)

12.  Zach Cohen (IL)

13.  Joel Rechlicz (WI)

In goal, Craig Anderson has the most NHL experience of this trio.  He had been pretty good for the Panthers and is looking to compete with Peter Budaj for the starting job with the Avalanche.  If he falters then Phoenix goalie Al Montoya, the first Cuban-American to play in the NHL, will get his chance to shine. 

Team Illinois/Wisconsin will be relying heavily on its defense.   Suter and Corvo have the most ‘pop’ while we reunite Chelios and Lebda who often served as a tandem for the Wings. I see them lining up like this:

Suter-Corvo

Chelios-Lebda

Preissing-Wozniewski

I have Andrew Hutchinson in reserve.

It looks like Madison, Wisconsin native Phil Kessel will be looked at to provide the lion’s share of scoring for this squad.  While the first line would have some nice jump, the second line has some good scoring with Pavelski and some toughness with Adam Burish.  Coach Tony Granato would have to hope that his third and fourth lines (which is made up of AHL & College players) can just maintain the pace set by the other, more experienced, State teams.

My forward lines are as follows

Battaglia-Kessel-Stafford

Winchester-Pavelski-Burish

Sweatt-Steckel-Boll

Cohen-Dowell-Skille

I have Joel Rechlicz in reserve.

In case you missed it, here are the 2010 State Olympic teams as selected by various IC writers:

Team Michigan

Team Minnesota

Team New York

Team Massachusetts

Team Illinois/Team Wisconsin

As part of our ongoing project of choosing Olympic teams based on states and provinces, I volunteered to take Team Mass., thinking it would be pretty easy to find a solid squad.  While I was able to round off the defensive corps pretty quickly, the forwards took some work, with a search of the American League made necessary by the lack of NHL calibre forwards hailing from the state.

Coach: Robbie Ftorek.  I realize I could have gone with Peter Laviolette, but the mere chance that Ftorek might bring back the sweater look was enough to make me choose him.

Goalies:

1. Rick DiPietro

2. Corey Schneider

3. Mike Morrison

Defense:

1. Tom Poti

2. Ryan Whitney

3. Hal Gill

4. Patrick Rissmiller

5. Brian Pothier

6. Mike Mottau

7. Keith Yandle

Forwards:

1. Bill Guerin

2. Keth Tkachuk

3. Jeremy Roenick

4. Jay Pandolfo

5. Josh Hennessy

6. Dan Lacouture

7. Keith Aucoin

8. Chris Bourque

9. Brian Boyle

10. Michael Ryan

11. Niko Dimitrakos

12. Carl Corazzini

13. Bryan Ewing

In goal, Rick DiPietro will be required to shoulder the load as he has two inexperienced guys behind him. Should he falter, Team Mass will be nothing more than cannon fodder in our fictitious North American tournament.

Team Mass is obviously built around its’ defense. A solid group guys who cover everything from puck moving to actual defense, the back end will be a strength for the New England bunch. I see them lining up like this:

Whitney-Gill

Poti-Rissmiller

Pothier-Mottau

I have Keith Yandle in reserve.

All three pairings are more or less balanced, with a stay at home type with a puck mover. The top 6 are all relatively experienced, and each has at least some experience in the playoffs, which they will need considering the opposition they will face.

My lines are as follows

Tkachuk-Roenick-Guerin

Hennessy-Aucoin-Bourque

Lacouture-Ryan-Pandolfo

Corazzini-Boyle-Dimitrakos

I have Bryan Ewing in reserve.

I can’t really offer up much of an explanation here. The top line would have been frightening circa 1996, but is a little past its best-before date now. They are still serviceable NHL’ers and might just have enough for one last gasp. Past the top 3, we have a mix of up and comers and fringe NHL’ers and even an AHL’er or two. The 2nd line is certainly talented, just a little shy on experience. All have played and done well at the AHL level, with a cup of coffee in the top league. The 3rd line is where I have focused the remainder of my experience, with the hope that they can lead by example. The 4th line has the huge Brian Boyle at center with some experience and talent on his wings. Corazzini has been around the AHL for some time, and will be counted on to babysit the other guys.

Very talented group of forwards without alot of pop from the back end.  The goalie contingent looks like a future Red Wings goalie camp.  To complete our trio we had to coax a goalie out of recent retirement to have a full compliment of tenders.

Coach: Ted Sator – Not to diminsh Mr. Sator, but it didn’t appear that there was much competition.  Couldn’t find any coaches with NHL, AHL or even College experience from NY.  He hasn’t been in the NHL in over ten years and last coached in North America at the ECHL level with the New Orleans Brass.

Goalie:

1. Jimmy Howard

2. Robert Esche

3. Thomas McCollum

Defense:

1. Matthieu Schneider

2. Rob Scuderi

3. Mike Komisarek

4. Francis Bouillon

5. Matt Lashoff

6. Jay Leach

7. Kevin Quick

Forwards:

1. Craig Conroy

2. Erik Cole

3. Brian Gionta

4. Tim Connolly

5. Dustin Brown

6. Patrick Kane

7. Todd Marchant

8. Lee Stempniak

9. Chris Higgins

10. Nick Foligno

11.  Ryan Callahan 

12. Eric Nystrom 

13. Marty Reasoner 

Looking at the defence it has some Stanley Cup experience sprinkled with some extreme youth.  Can’t expect alot of scoring from these guys.  Should help clear the puck though, and with the goalies of team New York, solid stay at home defence is what would be necessary for these guys to compete.

I see them paired as follows:

Schneider-Scuderi

Bouillon-Komisarek

Lashoff-Leach

I have Kevin Quick as my extra.

The biggest strength of team New York is the depth at forward.  These guys can all put the puck in the net.  Would expect the lions share of scoring coming from the first two lines.  I see the lines like this:

Cole-Conroy-Gionta

Brown-Connolly-Kane

Foligno-Higgins-Stempniak

Nystrom-Marchant-Callahan

Marty Reasoner is my extra guy.

Coming as no big surprise, Team Minnesota looks like the class of the south of the border entries. A potent forward group and young, mobile defensive corps make the 10000 Lakers a team to beat. The Achilles Heel seems to be their goaltending, which, while talented, is a little shy on experience.

Coach: Dean Blais- While he lacks professional experience, Blais is a keen motivator who knows how to handle this group, mainly former collegians. He won’t take any shit and will get the most out of any underachievers.

Goalie:

1. Alex Stalock

2. Adam Berkhoel

3. John Curry

Defense:

1. Keith Ballard

2. Tom Gilbert

3. Andy Albers

4. Erik Johnson

5. Paul Martin

6. Alex Goligoski

7. Mark Stuart

Forwards:

1. Kyle Okposo

2. David Backes

3. TJ Oshie

4. Zach Parise

5. Dustin Byfuglien

6. Jamie Langenbrunner

7. Blake Wheeler

8. Matt Cullen

9. Jason Blake

10. Ryan Carter

11. Brandon Bochenski

12. Peter Mueller

13. Toby Petersen

The Minnesotans boast a pretty impressive back end. All young, mobile guys, there will be no problem with puck movement or with the power play. While none are all-stars, as a group they represent a formidable top 6. In an quick tournament such as the fictitious North America Cup, they can really hurt you.

I see them paired as follows:

Johnson-Gilbert

Ballard-Martin

Goligoski-Stuart

I have Andrew Albers as my extra.

Up front, a wealth of firepower awaits anyone standing in the way of the Maroon and Gold (assuming?). The top 6 all have elite level talent and can all put the puck in the net. Additionally, there is enough of a veteran presence to calm the ship should they fall behind to a team. While they might lack in overall grit, players such as Langenbrunner and Byfuglien are no strangers to the corners and are at home at the top of the crease. I see the lines like this:

Okposo-Oshie-Parise

Wheeler-Cullen-Backes

Byfuglien-Langenbrunner-Blake

Carter-Mueller-Bochenski

Toby Petersen is my extra guy.

This team has some very experienced upper management, great goaltending, older forwards and a solid but not flashy defensive core.

Coach: Dan Bylsma – While he probably isn’t the most highly regarded person right now in Michigan after his Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Red Wings in the Stanley Cup, the pride of Grand Haven, Michigan would be my selection to lead Team Michigan.  While he doesn’t have a tremendous amount of NHL coaching experience he seemed to get the best out of the Pens for the short period of time he had them.  Plus with Mike Illitch as owner and Craig Patrick as GM he will have plenty of experience around him.

Goalie:

1. Tim Thomas

2. Ryan Miller

3. Brent Johnson

Defense:

1. Brian Rafalski

2. James Wisniewski

3. Jeff Finger

4. Matt Hunwick

5. Matt Greene

6. Tim Gleason

7. Andy Greene

Forwards:

1. Mike Modano

2. Doug Weight

3. Brian Rolston

4. Dave Legwand

5. Mike Grier

6. David Booth

7. Ryan Kesler

8. David Moss

9. Chad LaRose

10. Justin Abdelkader

11. T.J. Hensick

12. Mike York

13. Kenny Ryan

With the exception of Brian Rafalski, don’t expect much offence from this squad.  What you do get though is some physical toughness.  And if that isn’t enough, James Wisniewski can provide the team with some clothing from his clothing line, WizWear to ensure Team Michigan is looking good.

I see them paired as follows:

Rafalski-Wisniewski

Hunkwick-Finger

Gleason-M. Greene

I have Andy Greene who has had some success in the AHL as my extra.

These forwards boast some serious two way players.  Kesler, Rolston, and Modano all know how to score as well as be responsible in their zone.  The forwards represent a Noah’s Ark of college and jr. teams.  Plymouth Whalers, Michigan State, Michigan, Lake Superior State.  Would make for some interesting locker room chatter.  I see the lines like this:

Booth-Legwand-Rolston

Kesler-Modano-Grier

Moss-Weight-LaRose

Abdelkader-Hensick-York

Kenny Ryan is my extra guy.

Coaches (the strength of team):

Going with a two headed coaching monster to make up for the inexperience of the players. Andy Murray and Barry Trotz will stress discipline and ensure their players are responsible for their on ice actions.  

Andy Murray & Barry Trotz

Goalies:

Team Manitoba will be woefully inexperienced and nowhere is that more evident then between the pipes. Will Chet Pickard’s World Junior success translate into more success at a higher level? His youth is to his detriment which is why we have lured Eddie Belfour out of wherever he is to serve as his mentor and number three goalie.  

Chet Pickard, Brent Krahn,  Ed Belfour

Defensemen:

The dual Blackhawks on the backend are a respectable number one combination, but from there the talent level drops off dramatically. The 3rd pairing of Hnidy and Exelby better hope for a loose interpretation of the rules, as it is likely they will have to hold, hook, and hope their way to success.

Cam Barker & Duncan Keith

Bryce Salvador & Ian White

Shane Hnidy & Garnett Exelby

Duvie Westcott

Forwards:

The lack of depth for Team Manitoba forwards is evident when trying to assemble potential line combinations. It’s slim pickings, as anytime Jordin Tootoo is playing 2nd line minutes you are in trouble. We are going to ride Toews into the ground, as he will log double shifting minutes every game. Hey, if the guy can score on multiple overtime shoot-outs, might as well keep him on the ice as much as possible.

C Jonathan Toews, LW Alex Steen & RW Dustin Penner

C Travis Zajac, LW Derek Meech & RW Jordin Tootoo

C Tyler Arnason, LW Jody Shelley & RW Aaron Asham

C Jonathan Toews (double shifting), LW Brady Murray, & RW Colton Orr

Here is my submisson for “Team Quebec”.  Who knows, maybe someday if Quebec separates this team will actually have to take to the ice.  Overall, goalies were the easiest pick as the three selected could very well be the three that will be representing Canada.  The forwards include a nice blend of speed and finesse, and the defense leaves much to be desired.

Coach: Jacques Martin

Goaltenders:

1. Martin Brodeur
2. Marc-Andre Fleury
3. Roberto Luongo

Defense:

1. Francois Beauchemin
2. Kristopher Letang
3. Stephane Robidas
4. Marc-Edouard Vlasic
5. Marc-Andre Bergeron
6. Denis Gauthier
7. Philippe Boucher

Forwards:

1. Patrice Bergeron
2. Steve Bernier
3. Pierre-Marc Bouchard
4. Derick Brassard
5. Daniel Briere
6. Alexandre Burrows
7. J.P. Dumont
8. Simon Gagne
9. Vincent Lecavalier
10. Mike Ribeiro
11. Martin St. Louis
12. Alex Tanguay
13. Antoine Vermette

The starting job is Brodeur’s to lose, with Bobby Lu waiting in the wings.

As for on D….Defense is the area that may have trouble.  You know you aren’t in good shape when I had to think long and hard if Patrice Brisebois should have been included.  D pairings are as follows:

Francois Beauchemin – Marc-Edouard Vlasic

Kristopher Letang – Stephane Robidas

Marc-Andre Bergeron – Denis Gauthier

I have Philippe Boucher as the 7th D.  In each pairing, I tried to pair one of the offensively inclined defenseman with a stay-at-home blueliner.

The forward lines break down as follows:

Simon Gagne – Patrice Bergeron – J.P. Dumont

Alex Tanguay – Vincent Lecavalier – Martin St. Louis

Pierre-Marc Bouchard – Daniel Briere – Mike Ribeiro

Alexandre Burrows – Antoine Vermette - Steve Bernier

I have Derick Brassard as the 13th forward.  An influx of centres caused a few to play wing, but overall this is a strong group.  All of these forwards are great skaters, and I especially like the checking line that can be assembled.  One problem may be the lack of physical forwards available.  Aside from Burrows and Bernier, this is a soft bunch.  I don’t see Bergeron flying into the corners at full speed any time soon.  Note that I omitted both Jason Pominville and Paul Stastny.  Stastny is as Slovakian as they come yet plays for the U.S., while Pominville also pulls an Adam Deadmarsh/Brett Hull and plays for the US of A internationally.

lllegal Curve has taken the liberty of grouping together the four Easternmost provinces in Canada in order to make up a squad. The team is surprisingly decent, considering the relatively sparse populations of the Maritime provinces and has a nicely balanced forward group, albeit one that lacks depth and experience.

Coach: John Brophy

Goalies:

1. Joey MacDonald

2. Drew McIntyre

3. Dan LaCosta

Defence:

1. Colin White

2. Adam Pardy

3. Nathan McIver

4. Aaron Johnson

5. Randy Jones

6. Derrick Walser

7. Brad Brown

Forwards:

1. Sidney Crosby

2. Dan Cleary

3. Ryan Clowe

4. Ted Purcell

5. Brad Richards

6. Michael Ryder

7. Jon Sim

8. Steve Ott

9. James Sheppar

10. Eric Boulton

11. Pascal Pelletier

12. Darryl Boyce

13. Jason King

Providing a contrast to some of the other, smaller provinces, the Maritimes see their strength at forward rather than on the back-end. Being led by Sidney Crosby doesn’t hurt, but there is a nice mix of experience and potential in the top 9 forwards. Highly touted prospects James Sheppard and Ted Purcell should compliment grizzled vets like Dan Cleary and Michael Ryder to combine for a very passable forward corps. Though they lack depth, they should be able to compete against the competition.

The defence and goalies are quite inexperienced, with the goalies having little to no NHL minutes under their collective belts. MacDonald showed well in brief stretches on Long Island, and McIntyre has been very good in the AHL. Colin White leads a group of young defenders who possess a mix of skill and toughness. They won’t intimidate anyone, but they shouldn’t embarrass themselves either. I line them up as follows:

Cleary-Crosby-Clowe

Ott-Richards-Ryder

Sim-Sheppard-Boyce

Pelletier-McDonald-Boulton

Jason King is my extra man.

Defensively, I have my top six like this:

White-Pardy

McIver-Johnson

Jones-Walser

Brad Brown is the seventh.

I chose John Brophy as coach just for old times sake. I am sure he would be a media favorite and keep the players in check.

Any additions or deletions? Want to take issue with including Newfoundland and Labrador in the Maritimes? Lets hear it in the comments.

Next up on our Provincial tour: Manitoba and Quebec.

As Canada’s largest province, it is no surprise that Ontario has produced a team loaded with skill and depth.  Almost every player has been selected to an all-star team and Team Ontario would certainly be the favorite going into the tournament.  Some difficult decisions were made, as Steven Stamkos was selected over Jason Arnott and Jordan Staal and Dennis Wideman was chosen instead of Rob Blake.

Coach: Claude Julien

Goalies:

1. Steve Mason

2. Marty Turco

3. Manny Legace

Defence:

1. Chris Pronger

2. Bryan McCabe

3. Ed Jovanovski

4. Kevin Bieksa

5. Dan Boyle

6. Brian Campbell

7. Dennis Wideman

Forwards:

1. Rick Nash

2. Mike Richards

3. Marc Savard

4. Brad Boyes

5. Steven Stamkos

6. Andy McDonald

7. Mike Cammalleri

8. Eric Staal

9. Jeff Carter

10. Jason Spezza

11. Derek Roy

12. Nathan Horton

13. Joe Thornton

A tough decision will need to be made between the pipes, as Steve Mason was a Vezina nominee last year but Marty Turco has been great for many years.  I have Mason ahead of Turco, with Legace a distant third.

Defensive Pairings:

Pronger-McCabe

Boyle-Campbell

Bieksa-Wideman

Jovanovski

All seven of these defencemen are in the top pairing on their NHL team and provide team Ontario with formidable depth.  All can play on the power play, move the puck, and be responsible defensively (except maybe Campbell).

Cammalleri-Thornton-Nash

Carter-Richards-Boyes

Staal-Savard-Spezza

McDonald-Horton-Stamkos

Roy

The forwards are center heavy but use your imagination.  All will provide difficult match-ups for opponents, especially the big boys Thornton and Nash being paired with the speedy, skilled Cammalleri.  The biggest concern of the forward group is their defensive responsibility.  Spezza and Stamkos will both be on short leashes.

In searching for players to skate on Team SASKATCHEWAN, I figured it would be a team of grinders with a little talent thrown in. I think the forward group is solid if not spectacular, but I was disappointed that we didn’t have a puck mover ready to jump in to the lineup. A couple of younger players (Brendan Mikkelson for one) seem close, but not quite ready for prime-time. That said, please enjoy Team Green.

Coach: Mike Babcock

Goalies:

1. Cam Ward

2. Josh Harding

3. Dan Ellis

Defence:

1. Brendan Witt

2. Robyn Regeher

3. Nick Schultz

4. Luke Schenn

5. Wade Redden

6. Brett Clark

7. Ryan Parent

Forwards:

1. Ryan Getzlaf

2. Scott Hartnell

3. Colby Armstrong

4. Chris Kunitz

5. Patrick Marleau

6. Brenden Morrow

7. Curtis Glencross

8. Jarret Stoll

9. Travis Moen

10. Byron Bitz

11. Boyd Gordon

12. Brooks Laich

13. Blake Comeau

Like I said earlier, a pretty solid lineup despite a lack of flash. Its pretty tough to argue with the head coach selection, so I won’t. The goaltending is sound, with Ward entrenched as the starter and two capable backups. I listed Harding as the #2 because I feel has a great deal of potential and will shine as a starter, when he gets the chance.

Defensively, I have them lined up as follows:

Schultz-Regehr

Witt-Schenn

Redden-Clark

I have Ryan Parent as the 7th man though there were any number of good choices, ranging from Cory Sarich to Brendan Mikkelson to old warhorse Jamie Heward. The Top 4 are basically all shut down type defenders, with limited puck moving skill. Redden is on the third pairing because I feel he has lost a step, and Clark is responsible enough to babysit. I would envision Redden on the PP with basically any of the others, though perhaps Stoll would man a point given his heavy shot. The top 4 are all reliable penalty killers. No one in this group is going to put Bobby Orr to shame, but they should be tough to play against.

My lines are as follows:

Hartnell-Getzlaf-Armstrong

Kunitz-Marleau-Morrow

Glencross-Stoll-Moen

Bitz-Gordon-Laich

Blake Comeau is my 13th man, though there are several others who would have fit the bill (Ryan Bayda, Peter Schaefer, Jeremy Williams et al.) I took Comeau because of his skating. As with the defence, this is basically a lunch bucket outfit once you get passed Getzlaf and Marleau. I have the first line set up as an outscorer line. I feel that they are defensively sound and can likely put up some points. The wingers are a nice, robust compliment to Getzlaf’s style, and they should be able to hold their own. Line 2 is basically a carbon copy of line 1, with a skilled centre playing between two rough and tumble wingers with offensive upside. The third line is all sandpaper, a line to keep other teams top scorers in check and one that might provide a few goals in a pinch. I used my younger guys on the 4th line to provide some energy. All are capable of playing a variety of styles, and their presence would likely be needed as Team Sask strikes me as a squad that would have to roll 4 to be effective.

Note: I realize the Robyn Regehr was born in Brazil, but I have claimed him for Team Saskatchewan all the same. Despite being born where this is the norm:

Who could resist this on a cold winter’s night?:

Looking at team Alberta, the first thing I noticed, was depth at defence.  When you have to bump Mike Green down to 3rd pairing, you know you’ve got depth.

Coach- Ken Hitchcock

Goaltenders:

1. Chris Osgood

2. Chris Mason

3. Alex Auld

Defence:

1. Scott Niedermayer

2. Dion Phaneuf

3. Brad Stuart

4. Jay Bouwmeester

5. Mike Green

6. Derek Morris

7. Sheldon Souray

Left off list:  Darryl Sydor, Chris Phillips, Brent Sopel.

Forwards:

1. Jarome Iginla

2. Ray Whitney

3. Ryan Smyth

4. Shane Doan

5. Daymond Langkow

6. Joffrey Lupul

7. Dean McAmmond

8. Mike Comrie

9. Trent Hunter

10. Kyle Calder

11. Steve Reinprecht

12. Jason Chimera

13. Fernando Pisani

Left off list:  Scottie Upshall, Devin Setoguchi, Rene Bourque, Darcy Tucker

Line Combos:

I have my man from the D, Chris Osgood, and all his Stanley Cups as my starter.

My defensive pairings are as follows:

Bouwmeester-Phaneuf

Niedermayer-Stuart

Green-Souray

This is just an all-star list of defenceman.  Only problem is they are all mostly left handed shots.  Some would probably put Green on the 2nd unit over Stuart, but since this is my list, and after watching many, many Wings games, I’m putting “my boy” Stuart on the 2nd unit.  And seriously, anyone who can hit like this or this deserves respect.

Up front, I have brought along Fernando Pisani as my insurance, and my lines are as follows:

Whitney-Langkow-Iginla

Smyth-McAmmond-Doan

Calder-Comrie-Lupul

Chimera-Reinprecht-Hunter

Line 1:  Seems like a no-brainer to keep Jerome with his current center Daymond Langkow.  Whitney would be there to pop in any rebounds.

Line 2:  Does anyone think you’d have a harder working line then with Smyth, McAmmond and Doan?  I don’t think so.  Responsible at both ends of the ice.

Line 3:  The guy with the largest palindrome last name in Flyers history can put some pucks in the net while the rest of the line plugs away.

Line 4:  Hunter is one of the best (the best Jerry, the best) penalty killers on the Islanders with a big physical presence.  Decent shut down line who could pop in an occassional goal.

Coach- Tom Renney

Goaltenders:

1. Carey Price

2. Jason Labarbera

3. Wade Dubliewicz

Defence:

1. Shea Weber

2. Dan Hamhuis

3. Brent Seabrook

4. Eric Brewer

5. Willie Mitchell

6. Barret Jackman

7. Greg Zanon

Forwards:

1. Shawn Horcoff

2. Paul Kariya

3. Andrew Ladd

4. Rob Niedermayer

5. Milan Lucic

6. Mark Recchi

7. Kyle Turris

8. Chuck Kobasew

9. Colton Gillies

10. Brett McLean

11. Troy Brouwer

12. Ryan Craig

13. Brendan Morrison

I have Carey Price as my starter, albeit with a short lease. My defensive pairings are as follows:

Weber-Hamhuis

Seabrook-Brewer

Jackman-Mitchell

This set up gives three pretty solid pairings, with some puck moving potential and a pure shut down pair at the bottom.  The top 4 are all able to play on the powerplay, with Weber perhaps double shifting in place of Brewer while Jackman and Mitchell handle the bulk of the penalty killing time.

Up front, I have brought along Brendan Morrison for insurance, and my lines are as follows:

Kariya-Horcoff-Lucic

Ladd-Turris-Recchi

Gillies-Niedermayer-Craig

Kobasew-McLean-Brouwer

The first line is a tough minutes line, which might not set the world on fire, but it won’t hurt you either. Line 2 is for soft minutes against the other team’s defensive liabilities. The third line is the de facto checking line, while line 4 is a mix of what is left over and can chip in offensively. I left Morrison out of the starters because he has lost a step, but could adequately step into any of the four lines in the event of an injury.

Defense (Defence):
1. Brooks Orpik, San Francisco, CA, Pittsburgh Penguins
2. Rob Scuderi, Syosset, N.Y. Pittsburgh Penguins
3. Ryan Suter, Madison, Wis. Nashville Predators
4. Paul Martin, Minneapolis, Minn. New Jersey Devils
5. Ryan Whitney, Boston, Mass. Anaheim Ducks
6. Brian Rafalski, Dearborn, Mich. Detroit Red Wings
7. Tom Gilbert, Minneapolis, Minn. Edmonton Oilers

Forward:
1. Phil Kessel, Madison, Wis. Boston Bruins
2. Zach Parise, Minneapolis, Minn. New Jersey Devils
3. T.J. Oshie, Warroad, Minn. St. Louis Blues
4. Patrick Kane, Buffalo, N.Y. Chicago Blackhawks
5. David Backes, Minneapolis, Minn. St. Louis Blues
6. Jamie Langenbrunner, Cloquet, Minn. New Jersey Devils
7.  Kyle Okposo,  Paul, Minn. New York Islanders
8. Dustin Brown, Ithaca, N.Y. Los Angeles Kings
9. David Booth, Detroit, Mich. Florida Panthers
10. Scott Gomez, Anchorage, Alaska New York Rangers
11. Joe Pavelski, Stevens Point, Wis. San Jose Sharks
12. Paul Stastny, Quebec City, Quebec Colorado Avalanche
13. Chris Drury, Trumbull, Conn. New York Rangers

Goalie:
1. Ryan Miller, East Lansing, Mich. Buffalo Sabres
2. Tim Thomas, Flint, Mich. Boston Bruins
3. Jonathan Quick, Milford, Conn. Los Angeles Kings

Agree, disagree? Think Rick Dipietro’s hip should have been the 3rd stringer? Please stay tuned to Illegal Curve as we launch the first in a seven-part series of what Olympic teams would look like if each Canadian province (and Minnesota) participated independently.

A few things I want to point out.  First of all, making these line combos has pretty much been the best day of my summer thus far, as the talent is just ridiculous.  Secondly, since there is obviously a large number of centres, a few players had to be shifted to wing to accommodate.  Finally, picking 13 of the 25 players was surprisingly somewhat of an easy task, with only a few players that I was wavering on.  You’ll see below…

Forward candidates: Jeff Carter, Dan Cleary, Sidney Crosby, Shane Doan, Simon Gagné, Ryan Getzlaf, Dany Heatley, Jarome Iginla, Vincent Lecavalier, Milan Lucic, Patrick Marleau, Andy McDonald, Brenden Morrow, Rick Nash, Corey Perry, Mike Richards, Derek Roy, Patrick Sharp, Joe Sakic, Ryan Smyth, Martin St-Louis, Eric Staal, Jordan Staal, Joe Thornton, Jonathan Toews

Line 1: Rick Nash (LW), Ryan Getzlaf (C), Dany Heatley (moved to RW)

It was hard to truly define a top line, but only on Team Canada would it not feature Sid The Kid.  I initially did have Crosby here instead of Heatley, but after a round table discussion with a few of the IC contributors, we thought that this line would probably be kept together after dominating at the Worlds previously.  Oh, and @#&$ you Heatley.

Line 2: Simon Gagné (LW), Sidney Crosby (C), Jarome Iginla (RW)

Here we go with Crosby…Crosby and Iggy will form a nice 1-2 punch, with Sid dishing and Iggy popping them in.  I had to include Gagné on this line, given his previous chemistry with Iginla in 2002.

Line 3: Eric Staal (moved to LW), Vincent Lecavalier (C), Martin St-Louis (RW)

Vinny C. and St-Louis are a package deal, and when put with Staal should form a nice third unit.  Staal should have no problem adjusting to wing, given his great skating.

Line 4 (Grind Line): Brenden Morrow (LW), Mike Richards (C), Shane Doan (moved to RW)

This grind line practically made itself, and the only question mark is really Morrow, as he missed almost all of the 2008-09 season.  Should he have a weak start to the season, Ryan Smyth or Patrick Sharp could take his spot.

Spare: Joe Thornton (C)

Thornton is on this team, but I’m not rushing to put him into the lineup.  It’s nice to have a player like Thornton’s caliber ready to jump in.  At first I had Staal as the spare instead of Joe, but Thornton’s lack of a 2-way game hurts him.

Players who did not make the cut:

Jeff Carter

Carter had a great season last year, but one season does not suffice.  Remember, he was this close to being a Maple Leaf.  And remember my policy of Maple Leafs being included on this team…

Dan Cleary

Is this some sort of sick joke?

Milan Lucic

Lucic’s claim to fame is that he has somewhat of a cult following…he’s just not good enough in any aspects of his game to make this team.

Patrick Marleau

Sorry, we only have enough room for one underachieving Shark forward on our bandwagon.

Andy McDonald

McDonald is decent, but I still can’t believe he was invited to this camp over Marc Savard.

Corey Perry

To quote that late 1980s PSA (for possibly drug awareness or drinking and driving): “I considered it, and then I said no.”  Putting Perry on this team to play with Getzlaf would be a good move, but there are just better players available.

Derek Roy

A good too-way centre, but not great.

Patrick Sharp

Could be added for Morrow, but not likely.

Joe Sakic

He needs to come out of retirement, purely for selfish Bob Cole reasons.

Ryan Smyth

Father time is not working in Captain Canada’s favour.

Jordan Staal

If Jordan makes this team, we might as well add parents Henry and Linda for crying out loud.

Jonathan Toews

Leaving Toews off was a tough one, but his time will come.  Two seasons of 54 and 69 points means there is still room for improvement.

Defense Candidates: Francois Beauchemin, Jay Bouwmeester, Dan Boyle, Brent Burns, Drew Doughty, Mike Green, Dan Hamhuis, Duncan Keith, Scott Niedermayer, Dion Phaneuf, Chris Pronger, Robyn Regehr, Stephane Robidas, Brent Seabrook, Marc Staal, Shea Weber.

Starting Pairings (plus one):

Pronger-Niedermayer

This pairing was pretty much automatic, as both Pronger and Niedermayer have been staples of Team Canada’s blueline for many years now.  With both having Cup rings, their veteran and leadership presence will be important on a young team.  Let’s just hope Niedermayer wants to play; remember he declined his invite in 2006.

Weber-Bouwmeester

Another pairing that was almost automatic.  Weber’s booming shot will be a great asset with the man advantage, and Bouwmeester’s skating is arguably the best in the world.  Too bad this tournament isn’t on the big Olympic ice.

Phaneuf-Regehr

The defensive minded Regehr will be paired with Phaneuf to keep him in check, and cover for him when he pinches in for a big hit or play at the blueline.  With Regehr being the only true stay-at-home defenseman on Team Canada, he will be relied upon heavily when protecting a lead.  Phaneuf on the other hand is polar opposite, and will be let loose when an offensive boost is needed.  Phaneuf’s regression this past season is somewhat troublesome, so look for Yzerman & Co to possibly put Mike Green on instead, should Phaneuf have another poor start to the season.

Boyle

This last spot was a toss up between Boyle and Keith.  Keith is the better skater and slightly better defensively, while Boyle brings more offense to the table.  On a very young team, especially on the blueline, Boyle’s Cup experience is the reason why he is on this team.

Who didn’t make the cut:

Mike Green

A glaring omission from this team is Mike Green.  As mentioned above, the decision will come down to either Phaneuf or Green.  Both bring similar games, with Green having more offensive upside, and Phaneuf having the more physical upside.  That being said, between all the other D on this team, there will be enough offense to go around that Green can be spared.

Duncan Keith

Leaving Keith off was a tough one, but his time will eventually come.  His Stanley Cup playoff performance was OK, but not amazing (despite him being quite sick), so a few more years and he will be ready.

Stephane Robidas

If broken noses were the only measurement for making this team, Robidas would be the Captain.  A warrior on the blueline for Dallas the past couple of years, Robidas isn’t nearly talented enough to make this squad.

Drew Doughty

A bit too young/raw at the moment.

Marc Staal

Almost there, but not quite yet.

Brent Seabrook

Despite playing great in the playoffs, Team Canada can do better.

Dan Hamhuis

Good, but not great.

Brent Burns

Going into last season, Burns looked like he would make the cut.  Unfortunately, a few concussions and playing wing this past season didn’t help his chances.  He could MAYBE replace Boyle providing he has a great first half of next season, but it’s doubtful at this point.

Francois Beauchemin

As a rule of thumb, no Maple Leafs will be on this team.  Sorry Mike Van Ryn fans.

Next week’s article will examine the projected forwards for Team Canada.

This week, I will go over the three goalies that will make the squad.

Goalie Candidates: Martin Brodeur, M-A Fleury, Roberto Luongo, Steve Mason, Cam Ward

Starting Goalie 1A: Martin Brodeur

Simply put, this job is Brodeur’s to lose, even though Luongo has been better of late (not really a fair comparison since Brodeur was injured almost all of last year).  Brodeur was the backbone of the 2002 Gold Medal winning team, plus the 2004 World Cup starter, and has done nothing to relinquish the starting job.  Let’s hope we don’t see another scenario like 2002 where Cujo was swapped for Brodeur after a loss during the first game to Sweden.  Looking back in time, how on Earth was Cujo the starter over Brodeur anyways?  Oh that’s right, then Leafs coach Pat Quinn was behind the bench for Canada at the time.

Starting Goalie 1B: Roberto Luongo

Should Broduer falter during Canada’s first game, look for Luongo to get the nod for the next one.  Although the pressure will be insurmountable playing in the Canucks’ barn, Team Canada has the best tandem in all of the Olympics.  Unless of course, Tommy Salo and Tommy Soderstrom play for Sweden this year.

Third Stinger: Cam Ward

Halfway through this past season, Steve Mason was viewed in many circles as the third goalie on the team.  Since then, Ward played out of his mind for the Canes playing almost every remaining regular season game, and lead his team to the Conference Finals in the Playoffs.  With a Cup and a Conn Smythe already under is belt, Ward has proven that he could step in and play well should disaster strike.

Steve Mason – not selected

If Mason has a crazy first half of the upcoming season, Stevie Y and friends could very well pick him as the third goalie.  After all, recall this was pretty much the same situation with Iginla in 2002 – he was a late injury replacement invite to training camp, had a sick start to the 2001-2002 season, and subsequently was chosen to the team.  If Mason is clearly playing far superior to Ward, then fine.  But the one thing that I don’t buy is to just put Mason on the team to “gain experience on an international stage.”

M-A Fleury – not selected

Fleury isn’t on this team for the same rationale as leaving Mason off – Ward is the better goalie.  Like I said above, if the Pens are undefeated at the time the team is announced, look for Fleury to get the last spot, but overall Ward is fudamentally better.

Next week I will break down the defenceman.  Stay tuned!

NHL

• The Thrashers have signed Nikolai Antropov to a 4 year, $16 million contract.  As well, the team also re-signed Chris Thorburn.  A lot of cash to be throwing at Antropov but really not out of line with the ridiculous spending we’ve already seen the past day and a half.  Antropov gets a lock of criticism but he can be a 25 goal scorer and 60 point player in Atlanta. 
• Mark Recchi has re-signed in Boston for 1 year, $1 million.  Good signing for both sides.  It is reasonable and gives Recchi another shot at the Cup.
• The Flames have signed Riley Armstrong and Garth Murray.  Murray is a plugger who will help to fill out the two-way roster.  Armstrong is also a depth player but he has a bit more scoring touch.
• James Gordon of the Ottawa Citizen asks why the Oilers would even want Dany Heatley?  Couldn’t have said it better myself.

Team Canada

• As Neil mentioned early today, Marc Savard has not been invited by Hockey Canada to the team’s training camp in August.   I like Marc Savard as a player but his representation of Canada has not exactly been exemplary.  Additionally, would he slot in ahead of Crosby, Getzlaf, Richards, Lecavalier or Staal on your team?  It is arguable, but I don’t think he would.
• The Hurricanes will be represented at Team Canada’s camp with Eric Staal and Cam Ward in attendance.  Both worthy invites.
• Ryan Smyth and Joe Sakic have been invited from Colorado.  The question is, will Joe Sakic be playing hockey next season?
• Rick Nash and Steve Mason have been invited from Columbus.  As I said yesterday, Nash’s value will sky-rocket after the Olympics, so Columbus better get him signed before.
• Brenden Morrow and Stephane Robidas have been invited from Dallas.  As Heika says, a big boost in confidence for Robidas.
• The injured Brent Burns has been invited from Minnesota.  If healthy, I think he has a real shot but concussions are tricky to deal with.
• Mike Green was the only Capitals player invited.  He better shore up his defense if he wants to be in Vancouver for the tournament.
• No Steve Stamkos invite from Team Canada.  Still too young and too many good centers ahead of him.  He’ll gets his chance down the road.

On Thursday, Hockey Canada released a roster of 46 players who have been invited to the camp, including five goaltenders, 16 defencemen and 25 forwards. The camp will run from August 24-27 at the Pengrowth Saddledome in Calgary.

Read the full article here.

Despite the fact that the Olympics aren’t until February, there is already a buzz about Team Canada.  Some people may be upset that Osgood wasn’t one of the goalies chosen.  Who these people are, I’m not so sure.  Other notable omissions include Marty Turco, Jason Spezza, Marc Savard and Mike Cammalleri.  I doubt Turco and Spezza would have made the team anyways but for them not to get an invite at all?  Wow.  Further, even though Savard has declined to play for Canada at previous World Championships, his snub from camp is quite appalling.