One of these is defensemen Karl Alzner, who is currently playing with the Calgary Hitmen in the WHL, after being drafted fifth overall by the Washington Capitals. He is one of only two players returning from last year’s medal-winning team. This year ,Canadian head coach Craig Hartsburg gave him the honour of being this year's “Captain Canada.”
Steven Stamkos is another highly-rated player making the cut. Stamkos currently plays for the Sarnia Sting of the OHL, leading his team with 30 goals and 21 assists. Stamkos will be under a keen watch throughout the tournament, as he is said to be the player that will go first in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.
Jonathan Tavares isn’t even eligible to be drafted until 2009, yet he already has quite a few scouts that will be watching him in Canada’s run for gold. Tavares is said to be the favorite to go number one the year after Stamkos.
So far, no number-one goaltender has been named for the tournament—unlike last year, when Carey Price stole the show and eventually became the MVP of the IIHF tournament.
This year, Canada seems to stand strong with two experienced goaltenders in Bernier and Mason. Both hope to see some big ice time, as they look to make Canada proud and bring home the gold once again.
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