Olympics: Heatley Named To Team Canada

Arguably the greatest forward to ever wear a Wisconsin sweater has once again been named to represent his native Canada at the Olympics.

Dany Heatley, who spent two outstanding seasons in Madison, will be playing in his second Olympic games. His first go round, 4 years ago in Turin ended in a disappointing non-medal finish for Team Canada. In Italy, Heatley registered 3 points in 6 games.

The Calgary, Alberta native has had one of the rockiest careers in the history of the National Hockey League. The former second overall draft pick in the 2000 draft has forced trades out of his first two cities. He asked for a trade from Atlanta after his car crash that killed teammate and friend Dan Snyder. This past season Heatley demanded a trade out of Ottawa after he became unhappy with his role and playing time under new coach Cory Clouston. He was eventually moved to San Jose for Milan Michalek, Jonathan Cheechoo, and second and fifth round draft picks in 2010.

Heatley is having a bounce back season for the Sharks and is currently seventh in the NHL in scoring with 44 points in 39 games. He also ranks fifth in the NHL in goal scoring, netting 23 goals so far at almost the half way point in the season.

A surprise to no one, Team Canada is very major junior heavy this season once again. Heatley is one of only four players to play college hockey to be named to the roster. Heatley (Wisconsin), is joined by Jonathan Toews (North Dakota), Dan Boyle (Miami) and Duncan Keith (Michigan State).

Team USA will announce their roster on Friday during the NHL Winter Classic game. Expect Former Badgers Joe Pavelski, Ryan Suter, and Brian Rafalski to be named to the roster.

Photo Credit: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images

Hockey Canada names rosters for October Camp and 4 Nations Cup

Hockey Canada has named rosters for their October Camp and the Four Nations Cup. Badger defensemen Carla MacLeod, Meaghan Mikkelson, and Bobbie Jo Slusar have made both teams. Looking at the rosters, the Four Nations team includes some younger players currently playing in the NCAA as well as some of the players from the October Camp roster.

The October Camp will take place October 9-13 in Moncton, NB and will consist of on-ice sessions and 4 games against local Midget AAA boys teams. It will be held in conjunction with the Atlantic Challenge Cup which runs October 10-13.

The Four Nations Cup will be held November 4-9 in Lake Placid, NY. Team Canada will also hold a short camp prior to the tournament.

Hockey Canada also indicates it will hold team camps in December and January, leading up to the 2009 IIHF World Women's Championships in Finland on April 4-12. The IIHF roster will be named in February.

Thursday Evening Odds & Ends

• Hockey Canada has announced its September Evaluation Camp roster and schedule. The camp will take place Sept 17-21 in Calgary, AB. In February, 22 players will be selected to play for Team Canada in the 2009 IIHF World Women's Championships. In the summer of 2009, up to 30 players will move to Calgary as part of centralization to train and work toward the 2010 Winter Olympics.
  

Badgers at the September camp include defensemen Carla MacLeod (2001-05, Calgary, AB), Meaghan Mikkelson (2003-07, St. Albert, AB), and Bobbie Jo Slusar (2003-07, Swift Current, SK).

• Caitlyn Cahow posted a blog entry yesterday with a brief blurb about the beginning of the Blaine Residency. Badgers currently at the residency include Molly Engstrom and Kerry Weiland. Jinelle Zaugg will join the residency later this year.

• USA Hockey has a nice article about recent Badger commit Alev Kelter. Sounds like a great pick-up for the Badgers!!

• The Ottawa Citizen has a nice article about Brian Elliott.

• Todd Milewski has a bit of information regarding the Badger Men's TV schedule.