Saturday, November 30, 2013

International Hockey Notes: Sochi Olympics 2014



With the Sochi Olympics just over two months away, we offer up our early reviews of developments leading up to the February 12 puck drop.

This will serve as our preamble, up until the arrival of the Olympic tournament, when we'll track the event from our page dedicated to the 2014 Sochi Games.

We'll merge this page into our permanent home for our HockeyNation Olympic coverage as we get closer to the February puck drop in Sochi.

Check back frequently for the most recent updates to the archive.

Winter Olympics Hockey Tournament
February 12-23
Sochi, Russia

IIHF Winter Olympics home page

International Ice Hockey Federation

January 30-- Quintal, Whitmore to serve on Olympic panel
January 3-- Yzerman, Lidstron head IIHF Hall Inductees
January 3-- Yzerman, Lidstron named in 2014 class to enter International ice hockey hall of fame

December 2-- Thirteen NHL officials named by IIHF to officiate games at Sochi Olympics
December 2-- IIHF names officials for Sochi Olympics, a group that includes 13 from NHL

November 27-- IIHF pushes back final roster deadline for Sochi Olympics to Jan. 7
November 27-- Olympic roster deadline moved to January 7, 2014
November 27-- IIHF pushes back final roster deadline for Sochi Olympics to January 7

General Observations

February 5-- Olympic break provides respite
February 2-- Jets' Maurice Olympic Ice won't make big difference
January 23-- NHL Revealed all-access show extends league's reach to Sochi Olympics
January 23-- NHLers set to compete at Winter Olympics voice concern over security at Sochi
January 10-- Russia, Finland could be teams to watch in Sochi
January 3-- Style overt stats with Olympic goalies
December 16-- Injuries mounting for Olympic goalie contenders
December 9-- Who's rising, falling inquest for Olympic spot?
November 29-- Young talent playing way into Olympic consideration
November 18-- NHL announces reality show centred on outdoor games, Olympics
October 18-- Carolina Hurricanes feature plenty of competition for Olympic spots


Austria

February 6-- Islanders duo hopes to help Austria pull off an upset
January 28-- Vanek embraces leadership role with Austria
January 28-- Islanders Vanek to captain Austria Olympic team
January 8-- Vanek talks Islanders' surge, Sochi Games
January 7-- Vanek, Grabner highlight Austrian Olympic roster


Czech Republic

February 4-- Capitals' Erat named to Czech Republic team
February 2-- Sobotka to miss Olympics with leg injury
January 19-- Jagr, Plekanec bank on chemistry for success in Sochi
January 7-- Jagr: Nedved could be Cxech Republic's best player
January 6-- Czech Republic's Jagr named to fifth Olympics
December 29-- Spots remain up for grabs on Czech Olympic team
November 30-- Czech Republic vets supplemented by young talent

Finland

February 6-- Healthy Timonen relieved to play in Olympics
February 4-- Unlikely opportunity fuels Jokinen's revival
February 3-- A month after injury, Koivu's availablity for Olympics in question
January 15-- Olympics bound Barkov doesn't act his age
January 7-- Koivu forgoes fifth Olympics to focus on Ducks
January 7-- Finland's Selanne headed to Sochi for 6th Olympics
January 7-- No Saku Koivu on Finland roster; sixth go for Selanne
January 6-- Mikko Koivu surgery sobering news for Finland
December 24-- Few question marks left for Finland Olympic roster
December 23-- Keep an Eye on Finland
December 12-- Blue Jackets GM has eye on Finnish players

Latvia

January 7-- Sabres coach Nolan, rookie Girgensons lead Latvia


Norway

January 7-- Zuccarello lone NHL player on Norway Olympic roster


Russia

February 2-- February could define Ovechkin's career
January 21-- Hurricane's Semin added to Russia's Olympic team
January 20-- Ovechkin talks Olympics on NBC's Today show
January 20-- Ovechkin excited for Sochi Olympics
January 19-- Capitals' Ovechkin to appear on NBC's Today Show
January 16-- Tarasenko to skate alongside idols at Olympics
January 15-- Datsyuk named captain of Russian Olympic team
January 7-- Reality of Olympics in homeland sinks in for Ovechkin
January 7-- Ovechkin, Malkin, Datsyuk top Russia roster
December 25-- Biggest questions for Russia could be in net
November 29-- Russia faces intense pressure as Olympics host



Slovakia

February 6-- Blue Jackets forward Gaborik to miss Olympics
January 16-- Bruins' Chara to carry Slovakia flag at Olympics
January 7-- Bruins defenceman Zdeno Chara named Slovakia captain for Sochi Olympics
January 7-- Chara, Hossa, Halak highlight Slovakia Olympic roster
December 28-- Chara, Halak remain anchors for Slovakian group
December 1-- Slovakia could surprise at 2014 Sochi Olympics

Slovenia

January 6-- Kings' Kopitar only NHL player on Slovenian roster
December 5-- Kopitars prepared to make history in Sochi

Sweden

February 6-- Canucks' Henrik Sedin out for Olympics
February 5-- Karlsson confident in Swedes' hopes for gold at Sochi
February 3-- Nyquist added to Sweden Olympic team
February 2-- Kronwall evolves in Sweden's leader on blue line
January 30-- Sweden's Sochi chances take hit as Franzen out of Olympics with concussion
January 29-- Erik Karlsson excited to be playing in Sochi Games
January 28-- 'Safe' Chicago D men could give Sweden edge
January 7-- Erik Karlsson joins former Senators Alfredsson, Silfverberg on Swedish Olympic team
January 7-- Several gambles on Sweden Olympic roster
January 7-- 6 Red Wings named to Sweden's Olympic roster
January 7-- Alfredsson return leads NHL heavy roster for Sweden
December 28-- Sweden must fill void on blue line with Edler injury
December 27-- Sweden's goaltending makes it contender for gold

Switzerland

January 21-- Diaz confident in Switzerland's Olympic chances
January 14-- Josi, Switzerland aiming high at Olympics
January 6-- Eight NHL players make Switzerland's Olympic roster, including Habs' Diaz
January 6-- Eight NHL players highlight Swiss Olympic roster

USA

February 6-- Ducks Defenseman Fowler 'honored' to play in Olympics
February 6-- Rangers' Olympians to appear on NBC's 'Today Show'
February 3-- Capitals' Carlson talks representing USA at Olympics
February 1-- Parise, Suter avoiding Olympic distractions
February 1-- Parise discusses role at team USA captain
January 31-- Bylsma deliberate figuring out U. S. Olympic goalie
January 31-- Parise named captain of U. S. Olympic team
January 29-- U. S. women aiming to end Olympic frustration
January 29-- Suter hopes to join father as Olympic gold medalist
January 3-- Bylsma has identity in mind for U. S. Olympic team
January 2-- USA Olympic Team provides for a few surprises on announcement day HockeyNation
January 2-- Omissions could define U. S. roster
December 29-- Islanders' Okposo in mix for U. S. Olympic roster spot
December 29-- Coyotes will vouch for Yandle's Olympic credentials
December 23-- U. S. Olympic roster taking shape
December 22-- U. S. men's hockey team will look familiar in Sochi
December 12-- Canadiens' Galchenyuk remains on USA hockey radar
December 12-- More mature, complete Oshie has eyes on Sochi
December 3-- Past U. S. stars know no miracles necessary in 2014
November 26-- U. S. roster projection: Lacking true No. 1 center
November 26-- U. S. roster projection: Expectations are high
November 24-- Predators' Jones playing his way into conversation for U. S. Olympic team
November 22-- Has Nashville Predators teenager Seth Jones played his way in U. S. Olympic conversation?

Canada

February 6-- Canada coach Babcock thrilled to have St. Louis
February 6-- St. Louis to take Stamkos' place on Canadian roster
February 6-- Predators' Weber entering Olympics at top of game
February 6-- As Sochi, beckons Price keeping focus on Canadiens
February 5-- Star forward Steven Stamkos's leg not healed, will not play at Sochi
January 29-- No Plan B: Hockey Canada has no Sochi contingency plan if NHL pulls players
January 28-- Stamkos skates, still hoping for pre-Olympic return
January 23-- Stamkos says leg 'best it's felt' since injury
January 23-- Nash finding game, rewarding Hockey Canada's faith
January 20-- Canadian Olympians trust, believe in Babcock
January 19-- Crosby named captain of Team Canada
January 18-- Coyotes' Smith trying to live up to Olympic honour
January 17-- Family support made Olympic call sweeter for Sharp
January 16-- Tavares OK with playing wing for Canada
January 8-- Coyotes' Smith 'excited' to play for Canada
January 7-- No shortage of surprises as Team Canada builds roster around Sidney Crosby
January 7-- How choosing Canada's hockey team was a 'difficult exercise' for Steve Yzerman
January 7-- Hamhuis snags first Team Canada roster berth
January 7-- Steve Yzerman says Christ Kunitz perfect complement to teammate Sidney Crosby
January 7-- Three Saskatchewan born NHL players make Olympic hockey roster
January 7-- MacKinnon, Hall, Eberle take Olympic omission in stride
January 7-- Team Canada's Sochi Olympics roster
January 7-- Crosby headlines Canada's Olympic hockey roster
January 7-- Emotional day for players who were snubbed by Team Canada
January 7-- Spezza feels for St. Louis...
January 7-- Nothing is ever guaranteed in Olympic hockey tournament
January 7-- Team Canada GM Steve Yzerman made right choice by picking P. K. Subban
January 7-- Introducing Canada's 'B' squad for the Sochi Olympics
January 7-- Canucks Roberto Luongo, Dan Hamhius 'proud, excited' to play for Team Canada at Sochi
January 7-- Sochi selection the toughest job in hockey
January 7-- Hammer ready for shutdown role in Sochi
January 7-- Sid feels like a kid again after call to Sochi
January 7-- Is Canada's embrace of Crosby pay Kunitz like bringing 'a plow horse to a turnout of thoroughbreds"?
January 7-- Kunitz, St. Louis among final tough decisions for Yzerman's staff
January 7-- After tough start to season, Canucks' Dan Hamhius makes Canada's Olympic roster
January 7-- Canucks' Hamhius excited to make Canadian roster
January 7-- Yzerman laments leaving St. Louis off Canada's roster
January 7-- Neal among key Penguins left off Canadian team
January 7-- Crosby says Pens linemate Kunitz deserves spot on Canada's Olympic roster
January 7-- Not enough room on Canada roster for all deserving
January 7-- Olympic cred for Pens' Kunitz not due just to Sid
January 7-- Canada returns 11 players from 2010 Gold Medal Team
January 7-- Stars forward Benn played way onto Canada
January 7-- What helped shape Canada's Olympic roster
January 7-- Relieved Sharp one of 10 Blackhwaks going to Sochi
January 7-- Calls bring different news for Bouwmeester, Hall
January 7-- Canadiens' Subban grateful for chance to go to Sochi
January 7-- Canada had tough choices with a few Bruins players
January 7-- Selection by Canada overwhelming for Coyotes' Smith
January 7-- Lightning's Stamkos keeps sights set on Olympics
January 7-- Several notable players left off Team Canada's 25-man roster for Sochi Olympics
January 7-- Flyers' Giroux disappointed in Canada's decision
January 6-- Canucks, Olympians hope Lunogo's ankle will be OK
January 6-- Islanders' Tavares not distracted by Olympic talk
January 6-- Stars' Benn, Seguin await Olympic word from Canada
January 3-- Canada to announce Sochi Olympic Team Tuesday morning at Leafs' practice rink

December 26-- Competition intense for Canadian roster spots
December 24-- Sid the Kid becomes the Man
December 20-- Ducks captain Getzlaf proving he deserves a spot in Sochi
December 20-- Coyotes' Mike Smith develops into elite goaltender
December 20-- Coyotes' Mike smith pushes for Canadian team consideration
December 18-- Eric Staal still working to earn a trip to Sochi
December 15-- Stamkos' push to Olympics familiar to Oilers' Smyth
December 12-- Predicting Team Canada's roster for Sochi
December 12-- Selecting Team Canada is a matter of trust
December 9-- Flyers Giroux plays his way back into the Sochi conversation
December 9-- There's nothing wrong with Subban for Sochi
December 9-- Who's rising, falling in quest for Olympic spot?
December 8-- Bruins' Lucic competing for Canada Olympic spot
December 7-- Olympic dreams fading for Ottawa Senator Marc Methot
December 5-- Canadian Olympic camp snub turned Stars captain into a 'possessed player'
December 4-- Sharks' Boyle and Vlasic take different approaches to Olympic talk
December 3-- Stamkos targeting return before Sochi Olympics
November 29-- Six questions Canada's hockey team has to answer before Olympic roster deadline
November 26-- Stamkos on quick mend after breaking leg
November 26-- Corey Crawford's heroics escape part of the Sochi Olympic conversation
November 25-- Canada roster projection: Challenging task at hand
November 25-- Olympic coach Babcock mum on whether Subban will play in Sochi
November 25-- Olympic coach Babcock says Habs' Subban must be "trustworthy" on defence
November 25-- Tampa Bay Lightning's Steve Stamkos walking without crutches or boot after breaking leg, aims to play in Sochi 2014 Olympics
November 22-- Subban could be one of nine Canadiens in Sochi
November 18-- Vlasic sharpens skills for shot at Sochi Games
November 18-- Struggling Claude Giroux no longer a lock for Olympics
November 18-- Lupul harbours Olympic hope
November 18-- Tough to keep BC's Jamie Benn off Team Canada roster
November 14-- Team Canada's Olympic goaltending situation remains fuzzy
November 13-- Can Steven Stamkos really recover in time for the Olympics?
November 13-- Projecting Canada's Olympic roster for Sochi
November 13-- A look at Canada's options for Olympics in wake of Steven Stamkos injury
November 13-- Canada has interesting options if Stamkos is unable to play in Olympics
November 12-- Toronto Maple Leaf's Joffrey Lupul hopes he is "in the conversation' for Sochi 2014 Olympic team after Steven Stamkos injury
November 12-- Steven Stamkos injury a major blow for Canada's Olympic hockey team
November 11-- Stamkos injury could be severe blow to Team Canada's hopes in Sochi
November 6-- Projecting Canada's ment's hockey roster for the Olympics
October 31-- Goalie battle heats up for Canadian Olympic men's hockey team
October 9-- Taking stock of Canada's prospective goaltenders


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