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Coach Jon Cooper commenced training approximately 26 hours ahead of Canada’s inaugural high-stakes challenge at the Milan Cortina Olympic Games.
Two prominent players were conspicuously missing.
Information rapidly disseminated among journalists confined to a section of a confined, makeshift ice surface next to the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, indicating that both premier attacker Nathan MacKinnon and reserve player Sam Bennett did not participate in Tuesday’s early afternoon practice session.
A representative from Hockey Canada’s team approached a short while after to convey that the duo was resting for “preventive care” and no worries were warranted.
“No reason for alarm,” Cooper stated later during a quick media session.
Nevertheless, the circumstances were considerably suboptimal given the impending men’s ice hockey quarterfinals scheduled for Wednesday against Czechia, subsequent to Czechia’s 3-2 triumph over Denmark in the Tuesday qualifying contest.
MacKinnon, who had recorded two goals and three assists across three matches, received a low blow from French defender Pierre Crinon to the jaw with a forearm during the third period of Sunday’s 10-2 win, which concluded Canada’s flawless initial stage.
Tom Wilson engaged Crinon in a physical altercation — marking the initial combat in Olympic ice hockey since 1998 — leading to the expulsion of both participants according to International Ice Hockey Federation regulations concerning fighting.
The player, aged 30, MacKinnon, additionally suffered a knee-to-knee impact in the game’s concluding seconds, yet affirmed post-final whistle that no medical worries existed.
“He’s an absolute powerhouse,” Cooper remarked on Tuesday regarding an athlete he has positioned alongside Connor McDavid and Macklin Celebrini to form an exceptionally gifted offensive unit during portions of the previous two games. “Possessing such a high degree of force, physical prowess, and proficiency combined in a single individual is exceptionally uncommon.
“However, he’s a true competitor, that young man.”
Canada’s captain, Sidney Crosby, who also hails from Cole Harbour, N.S., similar to MacKinnon, stated he has never doubted his fellow forward’s resilience.
“I am aware of his profound passion for the sport,” Crosby commented. “He will persevere despite any adversity. That attribute is rarely, if ever, contested.”
Josh Morrissey engaged fully in the training session subsequent to withdrawing from the nation’s initial tournament match versus Czechia due to an unspecified ailment, having subsequently missed the two most recent games.
Cooper mentioned Morrissey “appeared excellent” while on the ice with Colton Parayko, yet was uncertain if he would be cleared to play in the quarterfinals.
“It was quite significant for him to participate today,” the coach remarked. “Time will tell.”
Meanwhile, experienced attacker Brad Marchand is cleared to play for Canada in the quarterfinal round. He similarly sat out the two preceding matches due to an unrevealed health issue.
The 37-year-old indicated that the problem was partly connected to the condition that caused him to be absent from some NHL play last month.
“A component of it is simply advancing years,” Marchand, whose squad did not practice Monday, included with a grin. “Occasionally, one must simply attend to their physical well-being. Considering the broader perspective, it’s crucial to ensure readiness for pivotal moments.”
The player from Halifax conveyed that with a team boasting such immense skill in the NHL’s comeback to the Olympics following a dozen-year hiatus, he was content to await his opportunity if not performing at peak condition.
“The primary objective is my presence here and my involvement with this squad,” Marchand articulated. “It’s an extraordinary collection of individuals ΓǪ upon arrival, I didn’t anticipate making the roster. My expectation was to serve as a spare player and an vocal presence, aiming to be boisterous and lively within the changing room.
“I feel immensely privileged and respected to be a member of this collective. Whether one appears in the starting roster or not is inconsequential. Every individual holds equal significance and contributes a distinct function.”
Canada achieved victories against Czechia 5-0 and Switzerland 5-1, subsequently overwhelming the French squad, concluding the preliminary phase with a goal differential of plus-17 and securing the top seed.
“We are eager for this challenge,” stated attacker Bo Horvat. “These are the crucial contests.”
Crosby has participated in numerous such instances, being one of only two players, alongside defender Drew Doughty, returning from Canada’s gold-medal triumphs in 2010 and 2014.
“We comprehend the prevailing conditions, our necessary actions, and the factors that have defined our present standing,” the 38-year-old articulated. “The intensity of the competition has escalated slightly.”
Cooper was inquired about the message he would convey to the squad during their inaugural elimination scenario at the Olympic Games.
“You do not desire athletes to participate in the match with the sole intent of avoiding errors,” he expressed. “My preference is for them to be proactive and aggressive, rather than hesitant. That is the approach we must adopt, then observe the outcome. However, I appreciate our mindset. It’s not about qualifying or the quarterfinal, or anything else — we are currently on our fourth game. Our objective is to secure six victories.
“This represents our fourth contest. Let us proceed to maximize this opportunity.”
