CALGARY — Canada`s General Manager, Doug Armstrong, has made it unequivocally clear that the recent physical confrontations with the U.S. during the 4 Nations Face-off will not be a determining factor in the selection of Team Canada`s Olympic roster.
When directly asked whether the three altercations that kicked off the USA-Canada round-robin game prompted him to consider adding more physically imposing players to the team, Armstrong firmly rejected the notion.
Armstrong elaborated on his perspective, stating, “I`ve devoted considerable thought to that tournament as a whole, and I anticipate the Olympics will unfold in a very similar manner, albeit without those brief moments of aggression.” These remarks were delivered at an orientation camp in Calgary, where 42 Olympic hopefuls convened alongside members of the women`s and Paralympic teams.
He further articulated his strategic approach: “The key to winning games lies in controlling both your own net and the opponent`s net. We are committed to building a team that excels in dominating these crucial areas on the ice, rather than assembling a roster specifically designed to engage in those short bursts of physicality.”