Alumni Feature, CHL, Hockey Canada, Opinion, WHL

What Would An All-WHL 2022 Canadian Olympic Team Look Like

Written by Adam Kierszenblat on

 

With the Olympics less than a year away, many networks are starting to predict what each countries team will look like. Today, we will look at what a Canadian team would look like if only current and former WHLers were present. This list will make projections on where players may be in a year, and then compile the teams. The team will have 15 forwards, eight defensemen, and three goalies. Let us know in the comments below who you think should have made the team.

Head Coach:

Todd McLellan

Swift Current Broncos

1994-200

 

Forwards:

The forward group is stacked with speed and skill. Led by superstars Matt Barzal and Brayden Point, the forward group should have no problem scoring. Although young, this group does have veterans to lean on in Olympic Gold Medalists Ryan Getzlaf, Stanley Cup Winner Brayden Schenn, and Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone. All of these forwards have international experience, so they understand what it takes to compete for Canada. Look for this group to light up the opposition on any given night.

Defense:

The All-WHL Canadian defensive squad is a great mix of experience and youth. Good luck trying to score on any of these pairings, as this is a tough group to get around. Veterans like Olympic Gold Medalist Shea Weber and World Junior Gold Medalists Shea Theodore and Josh Morrissey can shut down any player that crosses the blueline. This defense also features some of the brightest young stars in-game with Bowen Byram and Ty Smith. This team knows how to push the offense while taking care of their own zone. This defense will be a challenge for any team it goes up against.

Goaltenders:

In net, you have a Stanley Cup Winner in Braden Holtby, a World Junior Gold Medalist in Carter Hart, and one of the best goalies in the game right now in Carey Price. It would not be surprising if this goaltending group could set some records when it comes to facing the World’s best. They all have international experience with Price winning Gold in the 2014 Olympics. During that tournament, he posted a .975 SV% in 5 games. Any team would be lucky to have this goalie group as they could match up against any team in the World.

Leadership Group:

Captain- Shea Weber

Assistant- Mark Stone

Assistant- Ryan Getzlaf

The WHL is lucky to have a very experienced leadership group to guide them through the tournament. Look for Weber to lead Canada like he led Kelowna to a Memorial Cup Championship in 2004.