The Chicago Blackhawks are Team Canada

Jun 24, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Patrick Sharp (10) makes a save against the Boston Bruins during the second period in game six of the 2013 Stanley Cup Final at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Michael Ivins-USA TODAY Sports

Team Canada released their invites for their Olympic camp. Team Canada has invited 74 players to their camp in Calgary, Alberta Canada.  The Blackhawks lead the way with five invites. The five Blackhawks invited were Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, and Crawford. Toews, Keith, and Seabrook were members of the Gold Medal team in 2010. Sharp was invited to Camp back in 2010 but was not selected for the Olympic roster. This is Corey Crawford’s first Olympic camp. This is information comes courtesy of the Chicago Tribune.

As stated earlier by this fan, Toews, Keith, and Seabrook are locks to make this team.  Corey Crawford also should be on this team as stated in a previous article.  Patrick Sharp is the real wildcard in this group. Sharp has a nose for the net and steps up in big games. Patrick Sharp’s state line from the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs was ten goals and six assists in twenty three games (hockeyreference.com).   Despite that impressive playoff resume, my gut feeling is that Patrick Sharp will be left off the Team Canada roster again. He will be passed over for a bigger Canadian NHL name. It will be really interesting to see how the selection process shakes out.

In other Olympic news, Team USA released their camp invites. Team USA invited three Chicago Blackhawks. They were Patrick Kane, Brandon Sadd, and Nick Leddy.  Patrick Kane is a lock to make this team and start on the right wing. Brandon Sadd in my mind deserves a serious look as stated in a previous article. Nick Leddy is an interesting invite. In my mind Leddy does not have a good chance of making this team.  Leddy’s selection will be affected by his play in the Stanley Cup Finals. Most Chicago Blackhawks fans remember Coach Q benching Nick Leddy during Game five and six. This could show the coaching staff for team USA that Nick Leddy is not a big game player. Leddy will be the Blackhawks player to watch at the team USA camp.