Today at a press conference in sunny Kelowna, BC.... David Barbosa general manager of the Western Canada unveiled his final team to the media.
"There were guys worthy of a spot and then there were guys who were definately snubbed but I beleive we put forth a competitve team that our goal is to medal of some kind in the tournament."
First thing that was released was the captain and leading the way from Burnaby BC.... we have Joe Sakic.. "I know I spoke to Joe on the phone and he was eagerly awaiting his phone call and was even more estactic when I explained he was the chosen captain." Barbosa explained. Assistants are Ryan Smyth the so called Captain Canada will now be changed to Captain WestCan... and hopefully he CAN lead the west to a medal. Wade Redden was also chosen to become an assistant.
The roster now as follows.
Sakic plays down the middle between Ryan Smyth and Joffrey Lupul. Young and very promising Kyle Turris will have plenty of protection as Scott Hartnell will be on one wing and Lucic the pest will be on the other side. Our 3rd line is our MAC line.. and hopefully they are BIG MAC's lol... we have Mike Comrie playing with Andrew Ladd and Colby Armstrong.. Rounding out line 4 will be Brian Sutherby, with Scottie Upshall, and Travis Moen
Defence was a hard choice to break down as there was a plether of guys to choose from.. Around 12 guys made the short list and this was narrowed down to the starting 6..
Dam Hamuis will be the top line D-man with Brent Seabrook. Wade Redden will be playing along side Braydon Coburn. And a couple of good vets will play on line 3 as Scott Hannan will be with Derek Morris when the puck drops.
Our goaltending situation was to be the hardest to choose from as being some top class guys still in the playoffs and after it was said and done the tenders will be under fire cause they are not the guys GM Barbosa wanted but has to live with.
Chris Osgood who time and time again proves ppl wrong that he can get the job done is the starting goalie for Team West with 2 youngsters and very youngsters at that being backups .. First backup is Justin Pogge and the 2nd backup is Kevin Nastiuk.
Our spares incase of injuries are Blake Comeau Ian White Jason Smith
Obviously there were guys who did not receive their invitation and will be bitterly disapointed.. guys like Ray Whitney, Jarrott Stoll, Dustin Penner, Barratt Jackman to name a few however with the stipulations at hand only allowing 5 players from eliminated team to play there just had to be some tough decisions.
Barbosa will be gladly secure to know his defence should do an excellent job at providing some offence good defence and a very tough presence.
