The Olympics always bring new faces to the mainstream sports world. The heroes wrapped in flags or the colors of their country win our hearts with their amazing stories of perseverance and hard work. The ability to shine when the eyes of the world are upon you is a special gift and every four years we anoint the newest darlings of the winter sports world.
Fortunately for hockey fans, we have the NHL, which gives us eight and a half months a year of our favorite athletes. Since the implementation of professional hockey players in the Olympics in 1998, the NHL goes on hiatus for two and a half weeks.
In lieu of the All Star game we get the Olympic hockey tournament, which is more than a fair trade given the quality of the play. Instead of a celebration of the NHL featuring inane skills competitions and a game that can at best be described as “professional beer league” we have the equivalent of a mid-season mini-playoffs to award the best nation.
In the Olympics we already know who the stars will be. For the most part they have been playing in North America since early October. The following players are well known in the hockey world, but will have the opportunity to play in front of a much larger international crowd in three weeks. They may be household names in their respective nations, but they will shine as they introduce themselves to the casual fan.
John Tavares, C, Canada
Regarded by many as the best center in the NHL that doesn’t play on the Pittsburgh Penguins, Tavares toils in relative obscurity for the perennially bad New York Islanders. Look for him to rise above his teammates and push teammate Sidney Crosby for headline exposure.
Damien Brunner, RW, Switzerland
The Swiss team surprised everyone with a silver medal at the 2013 World Championships and brings the core of that team to Sochi. With a full contingent of NHL talent playing for each nation, the Swiss are hardly favorites to take a medal, but Brunner could change their fortunes if he gets a hot hand.
Ilya Kovalchuk, RW, Russia
Sorry for all the New Jersey fans, but the explosive former Devil will be thrilled to be reunited with the elite Russians that still toil in the NHL. Kovalchuk is still in his prime and if you don’t believe me, check out this video.
Henrik Zetterberg, C, Sweden
Assuming the captain of the Swedish team will be able to overcome his recent back issues, Zetterberg could take center stage as the best player on arguably the world’s best team.
Anze Kopitar, C, Slovenia
Everyone knows that guy in their beer league that is way too good for the team that he plays on. He would be considered a ringer if the rest of the team didn’t suck. Well that ringer is Kopitar on Slovenia. He’s a world-class talent on a team that will be decisively overmatched in almost every game.
Jaromir Jagr, RW, Czech Republic
The old dog Jagr has proven that if you maintain a good fitness regimen, you can play at an elite level beyond your thirties. Perhaps fellow graybeard and new teammate Martin Brodeur has shared some aging secrets. Jagr has been around long enough, and played enough international hockey to have a few tricks up his sleeve.
Phil Kessel, RW, United States
In Kessel’s only Olympic appearance he was an afterthought with only a single goal and assist in six games. Four years later and one of the biggest guns of the United States, Kessel will be counted on heavily for his scoring touch. He’s had a big year in Toronto so far and should continue with his hot hand in Sochi.
Aleksander Barkov, C, Finland
One of the brightest young stars in Finland, Barkov has been impressive in his rookie campaign for Florida. He has been a solid point producer for a mediocre Florida club and is still growing in to his 6’3” frame. He had a minor procedure on his knee this week but will be fully recovered for Finland’s first game.
Steven Stamkos, C, Canada
Assuming Stamkos recovers from his broken leg in time, the Olympics could be a coming out party for the Tampa Bay superstar. Buried in a non-traditional hockey market, Stamkos is one of the most electrifying scorers in the world. On the international stage playing in his first Olympics, the spotlight could belong to the 23-year-old sniper
Patrick Kane, RW/LW, United States
In 2010 Patrick Kane was finally reaching his potential as a star right wing in Chicago. He would set a career high with 88 points and the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup for the first time in 49 years with his overtime game winner. Four years and second Stanley Cup later, a wiser, but only 25-year old Kane has his sights set on a more global prize. His speed and creativity are suited for the larger international ice. Look for some dangling and spinning from the young American as they aim for their first gold medal in 34 years.