|
ĦĦOTTAWA, Feb. 23 (Xinhuanet) -- After Russia defeated the Canadian
men's hockey team 2-0 on Wednesday in their third shutout of the tournament,
Canadians are reflecting as to what led to this disappointing result.
Gord Miller of Canada's top sports network TSN said age may have been a factor in the
dismal performances.
"The two teams that were notable disappointments, Canada and the United
States, had mostly veteran players,"Gord Miller said inTurin on Thursday. "That
was an issue."
Canada's lack of scoring arsenal was also exploited in the tournament.
"Only four of the Canadian players were in the top 30 in NHL (North America
Hockey League) scoring," Miller said. "They just couldn't score goals."
While some blame a lack of goals other are getting more personal-- pointing
the finger at players and management.
Critics point out possible "stage fright" by younger players like Rick
Nash, Dany Heatley and Joe Thornton or uninspiring performances by veterans like
Jarome Iginla.
Team Canada executive director Wayne Gretzky took full responsibility for
the loss after Wednesday's game. Miller said Gretzky is expected to come out
with a fierce restructuring plan because this is his pattern after a loss.
After the 1998 Nagano Olympics when the men's hockey team failed to place
in the medal standing, Gretzky managed to turn things around for the 2002 gold
win at the Salt Lake City Olympics,Miller said.
The loss has also brought forth debate over whether or not NHL players
should be included in Olympic hockey. In the last two of three Olympics, with
NHL players on the bench, Canada has failed to win a medal.
Commentators say the stunning hockey loss overshadowed two goldand two
silver victories by other Canadian Olympians on Wednesday.
Cindy Klassen won gold and Kristina Groves silver in the women's 1500-metre
long-track speed-skating race. Chandra Crawford took gold in the cross-country
sprint event and the Canadian team won silver in the 3,000 metre short-track
speed-skating relay. Enditem
| 
Breaking
News 
