Everybody loves a nice Cinderella story, right?

While nations like Canada, Russia, and Sweden are virtualy able to ice two teams apiece, there are many others who are simply fortunate to be a part of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

The Finns, Czechs, Americans, and Slovaks also sport a large contingency of players in the NHL and throughout Europe, but there is still a list of five countries who have a chance of playing the "dark horse" in February.

Those teams include Switzerland, Norway, Latvia, Belarus, and Germany.

There's no question that all five nations have improved over the years, but they still have a lot of work to do. Though it's highly unlikely any of these countries will be competing for hardware, there's always a chance that one team will push their way through—Even if it's just a lucky bounce.

In 2002, the Belarusians stunned Sweden, as goaltender Tommy Salo juggled a long drive from Vladimir Kopat, sending Belarus to the Olympic semifinals for the first time in their nation's history.

However, they were crushed at the hands of Canada by a score of 7-1.

Switzerland was ousted by the Swedes in the quarterfinal of the 2006 event in Torino but managed to pull off what is arguably their greatest victory in hockey.

In a preliminary round matchup, the Swiss took a 2-0 contest from Team Canada. The world watched as Martin Gerber registered a 49-save shutout, turning in one of the most outstanding performances by a goaltender in international competition.

Who's turn will it be this year? Here's an overview of what to expect in Vancouver.

 

Switzerland

Since there will be a shortage of offense from the Swiss, they will have to play to their strength: Goaltending.

Jonas Hiller is regarded as arguably the best Swiss netminder today, and he is a sure-fire bet to start when they take on the United States in their first game. He has the capability to steal games, and with the help of a defense-first system, he will face most of his shots from the outside.

Special teams will also be the main source of offense. Mark Streit and Yannick Weber will most likely be running the power play, with each providing a big shot from the point. Severin Blindenbacher and Martin Pluss will also be critical to the team's offense, if they are healthy when the tournament begins.

 

Norway

The Norwegians will be icing one of the youngest teams in the tournament, with the expectations to gain experience in international events.

Most players who represented Norway at the 2009 World Championship suit up in the Swedish Elite League and the GET-Ligaen, the top Norwegian league. The only players from their national squad that have suited up in the NHL are defensemen Ole-Kristian Tollefsen, Arders Myrvold, and forward Patrick Thoresen.

For veteran players such as Tommy Jakobsen, Mats Trygg, and Tore Vikingstad, who have plenty of games under their belts, it will be their job to help their young core in hopes that Norway will evolve into a stronger hockey nation.

 

Latvia

The addition of Dinamo Riga to the KHL has really helped hockey in Latvia. The lone Latvian-based team finished second in their division and was featured 13 players who dressed for Latvia's national team this past spring.

Between 2006 and 2008 at the World Championship, the Latvians finished 10th, 13th and 11th place, respectively, and did not appear to have much to look forward to. In 2009, they finished in seventh, matching their best performance that was set in 1997.

The Latvians have shown signs of improvement but still lack at depth. Dallas Stars defenseman Karlis Skrastins and international veteran Herbert Vasiljevs—who has played in a whopping 133 games for his country—will be counted on heavily to lead the charge.

Martins Karsums, Aleksandrs Nizivijs and Martins Cipulis will also need to be at their best to help produce offense.

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