If variety is the spice of life, then this year’s edition of Canada is one of the spiciest in recent team history. From 39-year-old goalie Dwayne Roloson to a trio of 19-year-olds, Team Canada is composed of players from eleven NHL clubs. But general manager Doug Armstrong has put together a very talented lineup with plenty of international experience, one that is on the road to a medal.

Goal

If anyone had a right to beg off the trip to Europe, it was the team’s oldest player. Roloson played in virtually every game for the Edmonton Oilers since the start of the 2009 calendar year, trying to get the team into the playoffs. His heroic play wasn’t quite enough, and here he is, in Switzerland. His partner will be Minnesota Wild backup Josh Harding, who will see playing time, for sure. But the onus will be on Roloson to continue his great play this season. He took the Oil to the Cup finals in 2006, and he is a proven top-flight goalie.

Defence

The six defencemen in Kloten have one thing in common: they have all played in and won medals for Canada at the U20 championship. Dan Hamhuis (2001, ’02), Drew Doughty (2008), Chris Philipps (1996, ’97), Luke Schenn (2008), Shea Weber (2005), and Ian White (2003) bring plenty of big-ice experience to the team. In the case of Doughty and Schenn, teammates from the 2008 gold-medal team, they also bring youth and exceptional rookie seasons from their NHL teams this year, Schenn with Toronto and Doughty with Los Angeles. There is also plenty of offensive ability on the back, so expect the blueliners to contribute at both ends of the ice.

Forwards

Leading the way up front is Ottawa Senators forward Dany Heatley, playing in his seventh major international event for Canada (one Olympics and six World Championships). Like Rick Nash and Ryan Smyth, he finds it impossible to turn down the opportunity to play for his country, and as one of the country’s all-time top scorers, look to him for goals. He led all scorers at last year’s Worlds with 20 points. Joining him are two teammates from Canada’s capital city, Jason Spezza and Mike Fisher. Of course, Shane Doan, another perennial representative (another seven-time representative), is also here and will likely be named team captain any minute now, reprising his role of the last two years. Two other players from Phoenix are here, Scottie Upshall (another U20 gold medalist) and Matt Lombardi. The other big names are Martin St. Louis and 19-year-old Steve Stamkos, both from Tampa, both offensive stars. Combined, this is a lineup loaded with potential.

Coach

Lindy Ruff is the longest-serving coach in the NHL these days, having been behind the Buffalo Sabres’ bench for 12 seasons (and counting). It’s his first appearance for Canada, mostly because his Sabres are usually in the playoffs at this time of year. Ruff nevertheless brings a wealth of experience to the table, and he will command instant respect from the players who know him as a fiercely-competitive opponent during the season. The same can be said for his assistants, Dave Tippett and Barry Trotz.

Projected Result

In the last six World Championships Canada has won three gold and two silver (and a fourth-place finish), and a glance at this roster by comparison indicates this year’s team is as talented as any to have reached the gold-medal game. A lesser achievement would have to be considered a disappointment for the team, especially since this is the last important event prior to the Vancouver Olympics in February when Canada will surely be the pre-tournament favourite for gold.

ANDREW PODNIEKS