No ice time, but it’s sure to be nice time
CALGARY — Karl Alzner is a massive Steve Yzerman fan. He’s a big fan of Mike Babcock, too.
Not so much a Sidney Crosby, Eric Staal, or Steven Stamkos supporter during the National Hockey League season, though, when the Washington Capitals defenceman’s is tasked with the near-impossible assignment of slowing them down.
But, still, being around the entire Hockey Canada staff and the other invited 46-players for a four-day orientation camp beginning Sunday in Calgary is a good introduction to the possibility of playing at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
And while many are grumbling over the fact that no hockey is actually going to be taking place during the get-together — despite having an internationalsized ice at their disposal at the Markin MacPhail Centre at Calgary’s Canada Olympic Park — Alzner is perfectly fine keeping his skates off.
“I feel like, at this point of the summer, although guys have been training a ton and are in pretty good shape, I still feel like all of us are not game-ready and probably not as sharp as we would be come the season,” said Alzner.
In four days, Hockey Canada plans to hold informational meetings regarding logistics, travel issues, lodging for family members and friends, a walk-through of the venues, and drug-testing policies.
Team bonding is another aspect of the four days as they’ll be working out together, eating meals together, going fishing, and golfing.
The group is hitting Calgary’s Canyon Meadows Golf Course on Monday while there are media availabilities scheduled for each day.
Jordan Eberle, who has been involved with Hockey Canada’s junior team and at the world championships, is happily participating in his first Olympic camp — in whatever capacity.
“The biggest thing Hockey Canada is trying to get out of this, I think, is the chemistry and try to get an understanding of what to expect when you make the team and what it’s going to be like at the Olympics at Sochi.”