After much anticipation, the members of the Canadian men's Olympic hockey team were announced today. Two days after the unveiling of an American squad which includes 12 Olympic newcomers (including all three goaltenders), Canada selected a squad of proven international veterans. The only three players not to have been at the 2002 Olympics or 2004 World Cup, Todd Bertuzzi, Rick Nash, Marty Turco, are all proven performers. Although Nash hasn't played much this season due to injury, his skills cannot be argued with.

It's good to see Bertuzzi have a shot at Olympic gold after some great seasons in Vancouver. Despite the events of 2003-2004, which still linger in the minds of some, he seems determined to associate his name with excellent hockey rather than a notorious incident. While Bertuzzi has been granted his chance, Sidney Crosby has been forced to wait until Vancouver 2010 to make his Olympic debut. I'm sure he must feel disappointment, but when the puck drops on February 15th in Turin, Italy, I'd bet he'll be chearing just as loud as every other Canadian hockey fan.

More in-depth analysis than I'm qualified to give

Here's the line-up:

Goaltenders:

Martin Brodeur (New Jersey)
Roberto Luongo (Florida)
Marty Turco (Dallas)


Defence:

Rob Blake (Colorado)
Adam Foote (Columbus)
Ed Jovanovski (Vancouver)
Scott Niedermayer (Anaheim)
Chris Pronger (Edmonton)
Wade Redden (Ottawa)
Robyn Regehr (Calgary)

Forwards:

Todd Bertuzzi (Vancouver)
Shane Doan (Phoenix)
Kris Draper (Detroit)
Simon Gagne (Philadelphia)
Dany Heatley (Ottawa)
Jarome Iginla (Calgary)
Vincent Lecavalier (Tampa Bay)
Rick Nash (Columbus)
Brad Richards (Tampa Bay)
Joe Sakic (Colorado) - Captain
Ryan Smyth (Edmonton)
Martin St-Louis (Tampa Bay)
Joe Thornton (San Jose)

Reserves:

Bryan McCabe (Toronto)
Jason Spezza (Ottawa)
Eric Staal (Carolina)