Canadian team loaded up front
STOCKHOLM— Canada’s strength at the world hockey championship is up front.
Firepower at forward puts Canada among the favourites to win the IIHF tournament.
Led by the Tampa Bay’s Steven Stamkos, twice the winner of the NHL’s Maurice Richard Trophy as the league’s top goal scorer, Canada’s forwards boast substantial international experience and success in the NHL.
“I like our whole group altogether, but obviously there’s some firepower up front,” captain Eric Staal said Thursday.
Canada opens Saturday against Denmark followed by Switzerland on Sunday. Canada hasn’t won a world title since 2007 and exited with quarter-final losses the last three years.
Canada’s Stamkos, Staal, Taylor Hall, Claude Giroux and Andrew Ladd finished among the top 20 scorers in the NHL this season.
Staal helped Canada win Olympic gold in 2010. The Carolina captain is one of eight Canadians in the IIHF’s “Triple Gold Club” of players who have won a world title, Stanley Cup and Olympic gold during their careers.
Edmonton’s Jordan Eberle is playing in his fourth straight world championship. Colora- do’s Matt Duchene is appearing in his third.
Staal, along with his brother and Hurricanes teammate Jordan, were both in Canada’s lineup on that victorious 2007 squad.
But Canada isn’t nearly as decorated or experienced on defence or in goal. Of the seven defenders named to the team, Philadelphia’s Luke Schenn and Stephane Robidas of the Dallas Stars are the only two with previous world championship experience.
Calgary’s T.J. Brodie, the Stars’ Brenden Dillon and Justin Schultz of the Oilers are making their international debuts in Stockholm.
The goalies are similarly light in experience. Edmonton’s Devan Dubnyk is appearing in his third world championship, but has played just three games. Mike Smith of Phoenix is playing for Canada for the first time at 31.