With just under 2 years to go until the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, ProSportsBlogging.com will run a 6-part feature that will identify the hockey players that will likely represent their respective countries at the Olympic Games. The 6 hockey super powers to be covered include Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, Russia, Sweden and USA.
Today’s featured country: Czech Republic
2010 Result: Lost to Finland in Quarterfinals
Projected returning players: 13 (8F, 3D, 2G)
CZECH REPUBLIC’S PROJECTED 2014 OLYMPIC ROSTER
M. Michalek – D. Krejci – J. Jagr
M. Havlat – P. Elias – A. Hemsky
T. Fleischmann – T. Plekanec – J. Voracek
M. Erat – M. Hanzal – R. Vrbata
FORWARDS: The Czechs will have a lot of skill and speed at the forward position. The problem with this team, however, is that they will be small up front and a lot of their better players are older guys. Last time around, a number of forwards from KHL teams were selected, but that likely won’t happen again.
L. Smid – Z. Michalek
J. Hejda – R. Polak
R. Klesla – J. Kindl
DEFENSE: There are a number of options to consider player-wise, but the majority of the Czech D in the NHL are second or third pairing guys that will be over 35 years old when the time comes to make this team. This projected group consists of 2-way defensemen with good skating ability.
O. Pavelec
T. Vokoun
M. Neuvirth
GOALIES: There is a changing of the guard in goal for the Czechs, as Tomas Vokoun is no longer the country’s number 1 goaltender. Pavelec will be counted on to shoulder the load, while the backup duty will either go to the 38-year-old Vokoun or the young Michal Neuvirth.
Other Road to 2014 Posts:
Finland
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Written by Corey Krakower
I am the Director of NHL Content & Habs writer for ProSportsBlogging.com; I have spent 8 seasons behind the bench as a minor hockey coach; and I am the future GM of the Montreal Canadiens (according to my mom). I spend my days managing the Harrow Sports brand in my hometown of Montreal and I moonlight as a Hockey Advisor for Pi Athlete Management. Most importantly, I'll throw anyone under the bus for a laugh.
