Thursday, February 14, 2002
Cujo prepared for Games shot
By BRUCE GARRIOCH -- Team Sun
SALT LAKE CITY -- Curtis Joseph was about as fast deflecting questions yesterday about who'll start in Team Canada's goal as he is stopping the puck.
"No news yet," said the Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender when asked if he'd confirm speculation he will make the start when Canada plays its much-anticipated Winter Olympics opener tomorrow vs. Sweden at the E Center.
Joseph is expected to be coach Pat Quinn's choice for the first game, with New Jersey's Martin Brodeur then moving between the pipes for Sunday's game against Germany.
CARRYING HOPES
It's widely believed that after that, Quinn will allow Joseph to carry the ball for Team Canada. Unless he falters, he'll likely stay there during the medal round as Canada begins its quest for gold.
Joseph, who has a habit of making big saves, understands he's carrying Canada's medal hopes on his shoulders, but he's trying to take a calm approach into the Games.
He isn't concerned that Carolina goalie Arturs Irbe (Latvia) and Colorado's David Aebischer (Switzerland) were both parachuted in from their respective NHL teams and had a tough time in the qualifying round.
"It's going to be a bit different. I looked at the ice surface out there and it's like a soccer field," said Joseph, who dropped by the building to hold a news conference.
"I think you have to play the way you play in the NHL and try not to change too much.
"The game might be a little bit different because of the ice surface, but I think you have to approach it the same way. I think those guys came in and played the next day. That's hard mentally. "
Joseph insisted he hasn't spoken to Quinn about the way the goaltending duties will be split here.
He admitted he didn't know how he would feel if Quinn decided to give somebody else the start in an important game.
Canada will begin preparations today with most of the players arriving in time for a 3 p.m. MST workout scheduled at a nearby arena.
But Joseph already knows what a gold medal would mean in Canada.
"What would it mean to Canada? I think it would bring a lot of pride in our game," he said.
"I think it would have a domino effect into every level in hockey. Winning gold would bring a lot of pride to our country.
"That would be great."
2002 Games Men's Hockey Coverage
