Sunday, December 16, 2001
Classy Flames blueliner wishes Team Canada well
By JEAN LEFEBVRE -- Calgary Sun
ST. LOUIS -- Derek Morris is now officially a stay-at-home defenceman.
But the Calgary Flames star hid his disappointment well after learning he was not part of Wayne Gretzky's Canadian hockey team heading to the Salt Lake Olympics in February.
The 23-year-old defenceman was passed over in favour of ex-Flame Al MacInnis, Adam Foote, Ed Jovanovski and Eric Brewer. Three blueliners -- Chris Pronger, Rob Blake and Scott Niedermayer -- had already been named to the squad.
"I'm disappointed for Derek," said Flames general manager Craig Button. "From the first day of training camp, he's been a pillar of strength for our team on and off the ice. He's demonstrated an ability to play at a high level in the National Hockey League. And he demonstrated last year at the world championships he's capable of playing at the international level -- he was only on for one goal against in the entire tournament."
The remarkably cool Morris' demeanour has changed remarkably little through all the Olympic hoopla and that was still the case after the roster announcement.
"I'm not mad or anything," he said. "I'm glad it's all over with and we can stop talking about it now. I'm happier than heck that Jarome was picked and I know the States would be foolish not to pick Connie (Flames centre Craig Conroy).
"I'm excited for (the Canadian) team. They've got a good team. Hopefully down the road, I'll get a chance to do it."
Morris put himself in good position for a trip to Salt Lake City with a great start this season but first a back injury and now a sprained wrist put him in a tenuous position despite 16 assists and 17 points in 24 games.
There was stiff competition on the back end as rising star Wade Redden of Ottawa and veteran international warrior Scott Stevens of New Jersey were also squeezed out of the picture.
2002 Games Men's Hockey Coverage
