Pardon the interruption (where have I heard that before?), but I've decided to spend my last blog before the Christmas break on my choices for the US and Canadian Olympic teams. I will get back to my usual rookie/prospect-based Wednesday blogging next week.
In making my selections for the two teams, I was looking for sheer skill, flexibility (the ability/willingness to embrace different roles or positions), competitiveness and a winning or big-game pedigree. Because there are more worthy candidates than roster spots, I'm sure you won't agree with each and every one of my choices. And, I absolutely welcome your criticisms.
If you weren't aware, Team Canada will unveil its roster on Dec. 30 in Saskatoon, while Team USA's Olympic squad will be announced immediately following the New Year's Day Winter Classic.
For now, here are my selections for both teams. And, until I return next week, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy holiday season.
To see E.J. Hradek's picks for the Olympics, you must be an ESPN Insider.
E.J. Hradek
Senior Writer, ESPN The MagazineABOUT THIS BLOG
E.J. Hradek
E.J. Hradek is a senior writer at ESPN The Magazine, joining the staff prior to its launch in 1998. He began covering hockey as a writer/editor for Hockey Illustrated in 1989. The following year, he beat the Stars to Dallas (by three years), taking over as the editor of Beckett Hockey Monthly. When the Stars finally did arrive in Big D, he hosted a weekly hockey radio show and tried (unsuccessfully) to convert ESPN's Skip Bayless to the greatest game on ice.
In 1996, Hradek left Dallas, but not the Stars. Relocating back to the New York area, he became a part-time pro scout for the club, seeing more than 100 NHL/AHL games for each of the next two seasons. The scouting gig was a great learning experience, offering a different view of the game.
Hradek grew up in Tuckahoe, N.Y., about a 40-minute train ride from New York City. Despite the proximity to the Rangers, Hradek embraced the Islanders when the expansion franchise debuted in 1972. Eight years later, he was part of the sellout crowd at the Nassau Coliseum that witnessed the Islanders' first Stanley Cup championship.
