1997–98 Canada men's national ice hockey team

The 1997–98 Canada men's national ice hockey team represented Canada at the 1998 Winter Olympics held in Nagano, Japan.

Canada’s team, coached by Marc Crawford, placed fourth in the Olympic tournament.[1]

History

1998 was the first year that the modern NHL took a break to allow its players to participate in the Olympics, allowing the top countries to field teams with professionals of top calibre. Team Canada’s Olympic roster was selected by Bobby Clarke, who was then general manager of the Philadelphia Flyers. Eric Lindros was named captain over longtime leaders such as Wayne Gretzky, Steve Yzerman, and Ray Bourque.[2] Rob Zamuner was a surprise pick, while Mark Messier and Scott Niedermayer were omitted.[3]

Canada and the United States were heavily favoured; they had previously faced off in the final of the 1996 World Cup of Hockey. The Canadian team, despite a strong start in the round robin, failed to win a medal, losing 3 - 2 to Finland in the bronze medal game.

1998 Winter Olympics roster

See also

References

  1. ↑ The Canadian Encyclopedia
  2. ↑ MacGregor, Roy (1998-02-04). "All eyes on Eric: Is 24-year-old Eric Lindros ready to carry Canada's hockey hopes?".
  3. ↑ Willes, Ed (1997-11-30). "HOCKEY; Gretzky In, Messier Out As Canada Picks Team". The New York Times. Retrieved 2010-05-05.
Preceded by
1993–94 Canada men's national ice hockey team		 Canada men's Olympic ice hockey team
1998 		Succeeded by
2001–02 Canada men's national ice hockey team
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