BEIJING, China — Eric Staal did not watch the opening ceremony of the Vancouver Olympics.
The Canadian team filled with star players of the NHL had preferred to concentrate on the final preparations before playing this tournament under pressure at home.
Staal probably thought the chance to be part of that parade of red-clad athletes taking selfies behind the maple leaf flag was long past him.
When the NHL pulled out of the Beijing Games, however, the door opened again. And Staal was not going to miss his last chance to participate at this moment.
“It was an exciting experience,” said Canada’s captain of the men’s hockey team’s entrance into Beijing’s National Stadium on Friday. You knew the feeling in Vancouver when we were there, but when you go to the opening ceremony, you really feel that it’s such a universal thing. It’s very, very ‘cool’. »
One of the youngest players on the team also soaked up the atmosphere.
“It was awesome,” said 20-year-old defenseman Owen Power, who was the No. 1 pick in the last NHL Draft. It’s something I will never forget. »
Less than 24 hours later, it was time to get back to work.
Canada took to the ice for their first practice in China on Saturday after canceling back-to-back sessions – one after a long trip from Switzerland and the other so the team could be part of that march memorable.
“It’s easy to look forward and we’re excited to be at the Games,” said Canada head coach Jeremy Colliton, who replaced Claude Julien after he broke his ribs last week. last. I thought it was really good in terms of focusing on our preparation. »
Canada will play a preseason game against the United States on Monday before opening their Group A round robin against Germany on Thursday.
The team hasn’t played a game since meeting last month, but Colliton put Staal in the center of the first line along with Josh Ho-Sang and Mason McTavish – a 19-year-old who has was selected third overall in the 2021 NHL Draft.
“I’m really excited to have the opportunity to play with elite scorers,” said Ho-Sang, a 2014 first-round pick who is looking to relaunch his NHL career with the Toronto Marlies in New York. American League. I just hope to set the table for them. »
Colliton, however, dampened the momentum about this talented trio, but the possibility of bringing the three players together must be enticing.
“You put the pieces where you think it might work,” said Colliton, who was fired by the Chicago Blackhawks in November. Until we play a game, it’s really hard to know. Every tournament like this, things change. There are injuries, there are good performances, bad performances. You adjust as you go. »
The NHL pulled out of the Games in December due to pressure on team schedules caused by COVID-19.
The news was devastating for the best players in the world, but it opened the door for players who play in lower tiers, including Power and Ho-Sang. Or to players like Staal, who is looking for another opportunity in the NHL.
“It’s very sad that they didn’t have the opportunity to go,” Ho-Sang said of a team that would have included Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby. I feel very bad for the guys who are in the top 20 Canadians in the world. Some of them might never have an opportunity like this. We hope we can put on a good show like these guys were supposed to. »
There’s no doubt this group will enjoy every moment as Canada looks to improve on the bronze medal it won four years ago when the NHL sat out the Pyeongchang Games.
“It’s a dream come true,” said forward Daniel Winnik, who played 11 seasons in the NHL before spending the last four in Switzerland. Honestly, I didn’t believe it was a possible dream. »
“It’s an honor,” added Ho-Sang. I am proud to have been chosen. »
For Staal, it’s about adding another gold medal to his collection – this time without the NHL stars of the previous generation – after helping Canada win top honors in 2010.
“We are here to try to win the gold medal,” he noted. We are excited. »
