Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
In 2002 it was Mario Lemiuex.
In 2006 it was Joe Sakic.
And if there was ever any question on who should bear the "C" for the 2010 installment of Canada's Olympic men's hockey team, well simply put, there shouldn't be.
Jarome Iginla should be the obvious choice for Steve Yzerman and company whether or not Sidney Crosby and Scott Niedermayer are available.
In fact the only thing more guaranteed than Iginla leading this edition of Team Canada is probably the outcome of the next Leafs game.
Not to say that the aforementioned "Sid the Kid" and Mr. Niedermayer aren't qualified candidates, as their impressive resumes speak for themselves, but right now nobody qualified to wear the captaincy even comes close to playing at the level Iginla has this season.
In the Calgary Flames last 14 games, their captain has tallied 14 goals and added five helpers, leading them to a 8-4-2 record.
Since the month of November, he has 12 of his teams 25 goals, accounting for nearly fifty percent of the Flames totals.
Still not impressed?
Well, he also leads the team in game winning goals, power-play markers, and is third on the Flames in penalty minutes. Simply put, he doesn't shy away from the physical stuff either.
Sure, the Canadian squad is deeper than a Jack Handy thought when it comes to talent, but when it comes to heart and the drive to compete at an intense level every game, there may be nobody better than Jarome Iginla.
Besides, two years ago Scott Niedermayer wasn't sure if he wanted to even continue playing hockey.
Crosby, on the other hand, wasn't even selected to Canada's roster for the 2006 games in Turin. A move which was about as smart as Mick Jagger doing a solo album.
If the captaincy is indeed between Iginla, Niedermayer, and Crosby, then the powers that be for team Canada are in good shape.
That being said, it is time that the 32-year old Iginla gets the opportunity to show the world what Calgary Flames fans already know, that he is the best all around hockey player in the NHL today.
Yes, as a Flames fan I am a little bias.
Yes, the highly decorated Scott Niedermayer, and the Cup winning phenom Sidney Crosby wouldn't be bad choices by any means.
They just wouldn't be the right choice.
The Olympic Torch isn't the only hot flame right now, and because of that, Jarome Iginla may have just made Steve Yzerman's job a little easier.
We're going to send you the most entertaining Calgary Flames articles, videos, and podcasts from around the web.
8 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete