Connor McDavid, two other Canadians named North American captains
Team North America has bestowed the captaincy upon Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid before the Edmonton Oilers inevitably do the same later this month.
He joins alternate captains Philadelphia Flyers forward Sean Couturier and Florida Panthers defenceman Aaron Ekblad as the leadership group for the World Cup of Hockey U-23 team that … hey, wait a second. McDavid’s from Richmond Hill, Ontario. Couturier is from Bathurst, New Brunswick. Ekblad is from Windsor, Ontario.
No Americans up in this Team North America leadership group?
No ‘A’ for Jack Eichel? No Johnny Gaudreau grabbing a letter? What does Brandon Saad need? A third Cup ring?
“But wait!” you say, “Sean Couturier sorta counts! He was born in Arizona.”
Yeah. Real American, that one:
“We’re looking for a strong leadership group,” coach Todd McLellan said before naming the captains, obviously leaving it inferred that he meant “Canada Strong.”
McLellan said after the announcement: “On a team full of future NHL captains, we have a strong leadership group on Team North America. In particular, these three players — Connor, Sean and Aaron — have identified themselves in camp as key leaders for our team. They will be assisted by their teammates to ensure the full group is working together towards our goal of having success in the World Cup of Hockey.”
Hey, look: As Americans, we take what we can get.
It was really nice of Canada to allow our anthem to be played with theirs before the team’s games. Heck, it was really nice of Canada to allow some of our boys on their World Cup U-23 team in the first place, taking away spots that otherwise could have gone to Boone Jenner or Max Domi. And, of course, for allowing us to add “America” to the team name, instead of the original moniker: Team True North.
If only there was something more we could do to repay them besides contribute two thirds of the goaltenders on the team …
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Greg Wyshynski is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Contact him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or find him on Twitter. His book, TAKE YOUR EYE OFF THE PUCK, is available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.
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