Oilers Join Team Canada (Updated!)

by Jonathan Willis on Apr 13, 2009 2:54 PM MDT

Shawn Horcoff and Dwayne Roloson have joined Team Canada for the World Championships, continuing that great tradition of Oilers representing their country after not making the playoffs.

Ryan Smyth ("Captain Canada") was the standard bearer for Oilers in this respect, but the Oilers have always encouraged their players to go, and many Oilers have heeded the call over the years. Horcoff has won two gold medals previously, while Roloson has one.

I'm not sure who else from the team will make the trek over to Switzerland for the World Championships, but I'd imagine there will be a few. Here are the likely candidates:

Czech Republic: Ales Hemsky, Ales Kotalik, Ladislav Smid

Russia: Denis Grebeshkov

United States: Tom Gilbert, Patrick O'Sullivan

I'd guess that there's a spot for any of those six if they want it. It was a little surprising not to see Sam Gagner on the roster, while Sheldon Souray said that he would "politely decline" the invitation if offered a spot on the team.

Over at OilersNation, Jason Gregor has confirmed that all of the players on the list above (with the sole exception being Ladislav Smid) will represent their countries at the Wrold Hockey Championship.

Tweet Comment 6 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

What gets me is the additions of Stamkos, Doughty and Schenn when we could have waited on the first round plyaoff exits. If we can’t add the likes of Brent Burns or Shea Weber to the list because Schenn has confimed, well I don’t know what I’ll do.

Also, Ian White? What the hell?

I thought this year’s team was supposed to be more of a tune-up to next year’s Olympic roster? Yet here we are with a bunch of kids who won’t be ready for 2010. Not at all what I was looking for.

by doritogrande on Apr 13, 2009 4:40 PM MDT reply actions

Yeah, it’s a bit of a strange roster.

Ian White right now seems to have some big boosters, although frankly I don’t really get why.

by Jonathan Willis on Apr 13, 2009 5:45 PM MDT up reply actions

He’s a maple leaf.

Horcoff should decline this. Dude should be resting and restrengthening his shoulder.

by Derek Zona on Apr 13, 2009 9:42 PM MDT reply actions

shoulder

I couldn’t agree more.

Am I the only one who felt Dustin Penner deserved an invite from Doug Armstrong seeing as Craig MacTavish was never picked for coach?

by raventalon40 on Apr 14, 2009 1:59 AM MDT up reply actions

Robert Nilsson wants to... waits invite

Bobby (Ro-Berr) Nilsson* has, according to this article said yes to the World Championships, but is waiting on an invite.

First Robert is going to hang with fellow Swede Douglas Murray in San Jose before going back to Europe.

So far, only 4 NHL players have been confirmed for the “tre kronors”: Atlanta’s Tobias Enström, Dallas-trio Loui Eriksson, Joel Lundqvist och Nicklas Grossman

*is it just me or did MacT vary alot on saying Robert Nilsson’s name? Bobby and Ro-berr were a few of the common nicknames. In Swedish it is pronounced as RAW-bert, though was nice of MacTavish to try.

by jamonty on Apr 14, 2009 8:19 AM MDT reply actions

Yankee Oilers

Gilbert and O’Sullivan? They should make sweet music together.

http:www.oildroppings.blogspot.com

by Bruce McCurdy on Apr 15, 2009 3:15 AM MDT reply actions

Comments For This Post Are Closed

Oilers Schedule

Last 5 Games

@ Vancouver Nucks Misconduct	Sat 04/07	L 0 - 3
Anaheim Anaheim Calling	Thu 04/05	OT - L 2 - 3
@ Los Angeles Jewels From The Crown	Mon 04/02	L 0 - 2
@ Anaheim Anaheim Calling	Sun 04/01	W 2 - 1
Los Angeles Jewels From The Crown	Fri 03/30	L 1 - 4