Alex aims for Sochi
Hab says versatility key to USA spot
ARLINGTON, VA. — Alex Galchenyuk won’t turn 20 for another five months, but the Montreal Canadiens forward admits that he has already thought about where he wants to celebrate his birthday.
“Of course, I’d really like to be in Sochi,” Galchenyuk said this week from USA Hockey’s Olympic orientation camp in northern Virginia. “That would be the best, that’s obviously my first choice, but we’ll see.”
Galchenyuk was one of 48 invitees to the United States’ orientation camp which concluded Tuesday at the Washington Capitals’ training facility. Given his age — he is the youngest of the 24 forwards on the Americans’ preliminary roster — he is also among the most intriguing.
Galchenyuk turns 20 on Feb. 12, the first day of the men’s hockey tournament at the 2014 Sochi Games. The United States opens the tournament one day later against Slovakia and Galchenyuk is hopeful that he will be there.
“Obviously there are a lot of talented guys here, but I think that I’m a skilled guy, I can make plays and I think that’s always a huge thing on the (larger international ice surface),” he said. “Also I’m versatile and can play either wing or centre so that shouldn’t be an issue.”
Galchenyuk is coming off an impressive rookie campaign with the Canadiens, where he scored nine goals and added 18 assists while appearing in all 48 games. He also won a gold medal with the U.S. at the 2013 world junior championship in January and a bronze medal at the world championship in May.
“He’s one of those X-factor kind-of-players,” said Colorado Avalanche forward Paul Stasny, who played alongside Galchenyuk at the worlds. “He’s a special talent and I think that he’s probably one of the more skilled guys here. ... just a natural goal scorer.” 5 things learned at Team Canada’s camp, Page B2