Early next week, GM Doug Armstrong will name Team Canada's roster for the 2009 IIHF World Championship.
Toronto Maple Leafs rookie defenseman Luke Schenn definitely deserves a spot on the team.
Of all the NHL defensemen available to Team Canada, Schenn had the second most hits this season after Stephan Robidas. Robidas is also listed as day-to-day with a lower body injury, and may not want to participate in the tournament. If Team Canada wants a young checking defenseman in their line-up, Luke "The Eraser" Schenn is their man.
It would also be benificial to Team Canada is give 19 year-old Schenn as much international experience as possible as he's expected to be a big part of Team Canada for years to come. Schenn won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2007-08 World Juniors on the team's top shutdown pairing with Thomas Hickey.
Schenn also sits second amoungst defensemen in NHL rookie scoring after Drew Doughty who may also suit up for Team Canada in this year's World Championship.
Mike, you need a better name for your blog, more descriptive. You could also make the logo more creative.
ReplyDeletePS. Leafs suck, talk about good players making Team Canada. The Heat is on!!!
Well, the name's better than "Mike Jack's Hockey Articles" which was the name of my facebook group. I'm working on getting a better logo too. I just did something quick that'll work for now.
ReplyDeleteDanny Heatley probably will play for team Canada too although he had a really shitty season. There are definitely over 12 forwards that deserve to see the ice more than Heatley at the tournament based on this season's performance. Even Spezza is more deserving.
It's funny that if he gets 40 goals that is an off season (and you're right), but Hartsburg's defensive system suffocated his (and others) offensive prowess. You also should take into account that he is the all time Canadian international hockey points leader. Also, he has played much better in the Clouston era even just missing what would have been goal of the year!
ReplyDeleteSpezza, Heater and possibly Auld could be on the team. Foligno and Shannon and Elliott for the US. Count it!
PS I will probably be at the game tomorrow, wanna come?