Sunday, December 16, 2001
Game over for Redden
By BRUCE GARRIOCH -- Ottawa Sun
Before Wade Redden left the rink yesterday morning, he stopped by Senators coach Jacques Martin's office for a little chat.
"We talked a bit and I kind of prepared him for what was going to happen in the afternoon," Martin, who also serves as a Team Canada associate coach, said at a news conference following the announcement of the Olympic squad yesterday.
The news he won't be going to Salt Lake City wasn't heartbreaking for the 24-year-old Redden, but the defenceman was disappointed because he was among 37 players invited to the Olympic orientation camp in Calgary in September.
There's still a chance Redden could go. It's believed he is part of a six-man taxi squad -- including defenceman Derek Morris, forwards Anson Carter, Keith Primeau and Joe Thonton, and goalie Sean Burke -- that would be used in case of injuries.
"When I first found out, I was kind of down a bit," said Redden. "I realized that I couldn't be moping around because we had a game to play (last night vs. New Jersey). You look at the talent there and it's a pretty good group.
"I spoke with Jacques before I left the rink. I had spoken with him on the ice and I couldn't tell one way or another. I knew there was a 50/50 chance and it could go either way. I'd like to be there, but it's good to know one way or another. It removes some of the anxiety I was feeling."
Redden came close to making the squad, losing out to two other young players, Edmonton's Eric Brewer and Vancouver's Ed Jovanovski.
Martin supported Redden right up until Team Canada officials held their final personnel meeting Friday in Toronto. Martin believed Redden deserved the chance to be on the squad, but Jovanovski and Brewer had more support.
SILVER LINING
"I know there's a lot of disappointment because he didn't get on the team, but he put himself in the position where he had a chance to make the team. To be considered one of the top 10 defencemen is pretty big," said Martin.
"I know Wade is going to have a tough time with this, but I think he's going to be professional about it. There were some difficult decisions that had to be made. The group that he was in with has all played well and there wasn't much in the way of separation with them."
Redden was a victim of Jovanovski's success. The Canuck has 11 goals and 10 assists for 21 points in 35 games this season. Canadian officials want a blueliner who will jump into the attack.
It should be noted there is a Western Conference influence among the selections. Fifteen of the 23 players selected play in the West and that's no accident since much of the team management is based there.
2002 Games Men's Hockey Coverage
