Trying to find the right mix
Team Canada GM rates Olympic hockey hopefuls, Leafs prospect
GLENDALE, ARIZ. Shane Doan has his work cut out for him.
The long-time Arizona Coyote (nee Winnipeg Jet) is now a frontoffice type with the club. He’s also doing double duty as general manager of the Canadian men’s hockey team for the Beijing Olympics, a role made official on Friday.
Doan took over that job from Blues GM Doug Armstrong when the NHL — with more than 100 postponed games to reschedule — declared it would not go to Beijing. When the Olympic roster is announced in the near future, it will be made up of veterans playing in Europe, AHLers, college players and juniors — just like in 2018, when Canada took home bronze from Pyeongchang.
It may include some familiar names, such as defenceman Owen Power, drafted first overall by the Buffalo Sabres and then denied a shot at world junior gold when COVID-19 outbreaks ended the tournament prematurely. Or Toronto Marlies forward Josh Ho-Sang. Maybe even ex-Leafs goalie Justin Pogge, now playing in Germany.
Whoever Doan and Hockey Canada pick, the expectations will be the same.
“As Canadians, we all expect to win,” says Doan. “I would never put on a maple leaf or be part of the Canadian hockey team that doesn’t think they should win. We think we should win. That’s the way we think.”
After a 1,540-game NHL career, all with the Coyotes/Jets, the 45-yearold is now Arizona’s chief hockey development officer. He’s represented Canada many times internationally, winning two world championship gold medals (2003, 2007) and World Cup gold (2004). Canada finished seventh in his one Olympic appearance.
Doan sat down for a one-on-one with the Star to talk Olympics and eventually circle back to Matt Knies, a Leafs prospect he has ties to.
Q How much work is to put together Team Canada?
A It’s quite a thing. There’s enough (work) trying to find players. It’s hard, because they’re playing in different leagues, or playing against different age groups. So it’s trying to find the right mix.
Q I’m most curious about that mix. How do you foresee the balance between the veterans in Europe, maybe the few you could pick up out of the AHL and college players and junior players?
A It’s going to have to be a good mix. There are some great players in all those areas. Some incredible players. I got to go over to the Channel One Cup (in Moscow). Last year, I was at the world championship (in Latvia). You really appreciate what the European players are doing, and how there are some good players over there. So obviously there’s some guys in the AHL, and some young guys that are good players, too. That mix is going to be important that you get that right, that you find that balance.
Q And some guys from 2018 will probably be back?
A That’s the one thing that’s probably a little bit of an advantage, is the fact that it’s not the first time.
Q Can I ask you about a few players? Owen Power, for starters. The first overall pick. He stayed in college and he was robbed of the opportunity to finish the world juniors, but maybe he can go one better?
A I’ve been a big Owen Power fan for a few years. So when I got to be part of doing the world championship thing, that was cool that he got to come do that. He was great over there. And he was very mature, and a big kid that’s got a great family. I’ve met his mom and dad. My son and him played together, and so I kind of had a relationship with him from before I watched him. I watched him go to Chicago Steel when he was 16. He was impressive then.
Q Can I ask about Justin Pogge, a guy with a great Hockey Canada history. He never worked out in the NHL, though.
A He was at the Channel One for us over in Russia and I got to watch him play. He was here with the Coyotes, too; I got to be teammates with him with the Coyotes. Unbelievable guy. One of the best guys I’ve ever played with. Maybe one of the most interesting guys I’ve ever played with. Just a great personality.
Q What was so interesting?
A He usually had something going on. He was distinct in his approach, distinct in his personality. Just an awesome guy, by no means vanilla. When he’s in the room, you notice him.
Q How about Josh Ho-Sang? He’s on an AHL contract, so he’d be eligible.
A He’s a great player — obviously (with) what he’s done with Toronto this year. He’s a guy that had all the talent in the world, and somebody that has the ability to do stuff. That’s hard to find.
Q On another topic, Hayley Wickenheiser told me that Leafs prospect Matt Knies — who will be on Team USA — plays the game like you and has skated with you. What do you think of him?
A So, I’ve known Mattie since he was six. He and my son (Josh) played together their whole life. He’s an unbelievable player. I’ve been teased about liking him too much. I think he’s incredible ... Toronto stole him in the position that they took him. Like, stole him (57th overall in 2021) ... He’s on the U.S. national team. Couldn’t be happier for him. Unbelievable kid — sixfoot-three, 215 pounds and just ripped. He’s capable of playing a power game. When he’s good, he gets his confidence from his size and his strength, but sometimes tries to get his confidence from his hands. But if he gets it from his size, he’s elite. He’s got serious skill and I’m a huge fan.