Cooper Shuts Canada’s Practice to Minimize Distractions
As the Olympics begin, Team Canada has opted for a closed practice session to limit distractions at their training facility in Milan. Head coach Jon Cooper cited space constraints at the small practice rink as the primary reason for this decision. He emphasized that the closure was not a tactical maneuver to conceal strategies from opposing teams.
Canada’s Practice Dynamics
During the closed practice on Monday, players maintained the same alignments as before, with no changes reported. This session differed from the previous practice, which focused on flow drills, as it aimed to fine-tune systems and special teams. Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett noted this shift in focus was essential to prepare the team.
Media Reactions and Comparisons
The media was left outside the rink doors while waiting for clearance to enter. Some reporters, like TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, expressed confusion over Cooper’s decision to limit media access. LeBrun criticized the approach, suggesting it might be unnecessary.
Other teams, including Sweden, made similar choices for their practices. Coach Sam Hallam remarked that closing their practice also served to prevent competitors from gaining insights into their game strategies. Conversely, Czechia held an open practice, which drew fewer media members.
Team Dynamics and Olympic Experience
While practices were mixed in terms of accessibility for media, players shared their excitement about the Olympic experience. Forward Brad Marchand expressed enthusiasm about the bonds forming among teammates. He noted that the practice closures were a minor concern compared to the overall experience of representing Canada.
Line Combinations and Future Games
At the closed practice, Team Canada maintained the following line combinations:
- Celebrini – McDavid – Wilson
- Marchand – MacKinnon – Suzuki
- Marner – Crosby – Stone
- Hagel – Horvat – Reinhart
- Jarvis, Bennett
- Toews – Makar
- Morrissey – Parayko
- Theodore – Sanheim
- Harley – Doughty
The goaltending situation remains under wraps as well, with cooperative discussions among the players about who might take the starting position. The management is keeping options open, allowing the coaching staff to decide based on upcoming performances.
Next Steps for Team Canada
As both Canada and the United States are expected to take a break on Tuesday, their next practices will commence on Wednesday. The teams are balancing preparation with the unique experience of the Olympics, emphasizing both the competitive edge and the collective journey that the event represents.
As the countdown continues toward Canada’s opening match against Czechia on Thursday, the decisions made in practice sessions could significantly impact their performance. The focus remains on building teamwork while also enjoying the Olympic experience.
