Post by Jazz on Jun 26, 2004 21:20:30 GMT -5
Yzerman and Blake major question marks for World Cup[/u][/color]
PIERRE LEBRUN
Canadian Press
Saturday, June 26, 2004
source: CANADA.COM
RALEIGH, N.C. (CP) -- Star defenceman Rob Blake of the Colorado Avalanche may miss the World Cup of Hockey because of a shoulder injury, Team Canada boss Wayne Gretzky said Saturday.
Gretzky, Canada's executive director, said Blake is still bothered by the injury, putting into question his availability for the Aug. 30-Sept. 14 World Cup. Training camp starts Aug. 20 in Ottawa.
"That would be a huge loss, he's been a key figure for Canada for a number of these series over the years," said Canadian coach Pat Quinn, who is headed to Banff, Alta., next week to meet with the rest of his staff.
Canada's other major question mark will be veteran Detroit Red Wings centre Steve Yzerman, who suffered a serious eye injury in the playoffs.
"Because of these injuries, there may be additions to the team," Gretzky said during the NHL draft.
Sources indicate Vincent Lecavalier of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Keith Primeau of the Philadelphia Flyers are the top two candidates at forward to replace Yzerman, while Scott Hannan of the San Jose Sharks, Jay Bouwmeester of the Florida Panthers and Bryan McCabe of the Toronto Maple Leafs are the on short-list to replace Blake if he can't go.
Gretzky said winger Shane Doan (knee) and defenceman Robyn Regehr (ankle) were not a concern.
At this point, it appears Yzerman will be a long shot to be ready for the World Cup.
"I think he'll battle his way through it until the end before he decides," Gretzky said. "But he's a pretty classy guy. If he can't go, he'll tell us."
But Gretzky was confident that superstar centre Mario Lemieux would be ready to go. The Pittsburgh Penguins owner/player is recovering from season-ending hip surgery.
"I really believe Mario is going to play," Gretzky said. "'I don't think he's going to be an issue. I talked to him a couple of weeks ago, he wants to be a major part of the World Cup. I think he's going to have a great tournament."
Team Canada won't consider suspended NHLer Todd Bertuzzi unless NHL commissioner Gary Bettman re-instates him for active duty following a hearing.
PIERRE LEBRUN
Canadian Press
Saturday, June 26, 2004
source: CANADA.COM
RALEIGH, N.C. (CP) -- Star defenceman Rob Blake of the Colorado Avalanche may miss the World Cup of Hockey because of a shoulder injury, Team Canada boss Wayne Gretzky said Saturday.
Gretzky, Canada's executive director, said Blake is still bothered by the injury, putting into question his availability for the Aug. 30-Sept. 14 World Cup. Training camp starts Aug. 20 in Ottawa.
"That would be a huge loss, he's been a key figure for Canada for a number of these series over the years," said Canadian coach Pat Quinn, who is headed to Banff, Alta., next week to meet with the rest of his staff.
Canada's other major question mark will be veteran Detroit Red Wings centre Steve Yzerman, who suffered a serious eye injury in the playoffs.
"Because of these injuries, there may be additions to the team," Gretzky said during the NHL draft.
Sources indicate Vincent Lecavalier of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Keith Primeau of the Philadelphia Flyers are the top two candidates at forward to replace Yzerman, while Scott Hannan of the San Jose Sharks, Jay Bouwmeester of the Florida Panthers and Bryan McCabe of the Toronto Maple Leafs are the on short-list to replace Blake if he can't go.
Gretzky said winger Shane Doan (knee) and defenceman Robyn Regehr (ankle) were not a concern.
At this point, it appears Yzerman will be a long shot to be ready for the World Cup.
"I think he'll battle his way through it until the end before he decides," Gretzky said. "But he's a pretty classy guy. If he can't go, he'll tell us."
But Gretzky was confident that superstar centre Mario Lemieux would be ready to go. The Pittsburgh Penguins owner/player is recovering from season-ending hip surgery.
"I really believe Mario is going to play," Gretzky said. "'I don't think he's going to be an issue. I talked to him a couple of weeks ago, he wants to be a major part of the World Cup. I think he's going to have a great tournament."
Team Canada won't consider suspended NHLer Todd Bertuzzi unless NHL commissioner Gary Bettman re-instates him for active duty following a hearing.
