Wednesday, February 6, 2002
Joseph, Brodeur glad to be playing
By MIKE ZEISBERGER -- Toronto Sun
Curtis Joseph and Martin Brodeur gladly can leave their red-and-white pompons at home this time.
Four years ago in Nagano, the two goaltenders were nothing more than glorified cheerleaders for Team Canada during the Winter Olympics. With Patrick Roy starting every game in the tournament, Brodeur sat on the end of the bench serving as backup while Joseph watched from the stands.
What irked both men was that they were not informed of their roles until the team was en route to Japan.
During the flight over the Pacific Ocean, Team Canada 1998 coach Marc Crawford and the rest of the brass told Joseph that he would be No. 3. Brodeur received the news that he would be No. 2 when the jet touched ground.
During the interview process of potential candidates conducted by Team Canada 2002 executive director Wayne Gretzky and coach Pat Quinn last summer, Brodeur and Joseph suggested the goaltenders should be told earlier this time. As a result, Gretzky announced Monday that Dallas Stars netminder Ed Belfour would be the third goaltender, leaving the quest for gold in the hands of Brodeur and Joseph.
Tentative plans have Joseph starting Canada's first game on Feb. 15 against Sweden. Brodeur would play in Canada's next game on Feb. 17. However it plays out, both are happy the situation was handled better this time.
"At least I know I'll have a chance to play. That's nice," Brodeur told reporters in New Jersey yesterday.
Brodeur was asked whether Quinn might favour Joseph, his goaltender with the Maple Leafs.
"Well, I hope everyone will be professional," he said. "If it's Cujo, that's fine."
Joseph, who stickhandled his way around questions concerning who should be Canada's starter, applauded team officials for making the decision about the No. 3 goalie well before the start of the tournament.
"The earlier the better," he said. "Communication is important, and I think they thought out the process. They've done very well.
"My focus stays the same, and so does the job description -- stop the puck."
Brodeur and Joseph have faced each other in the playoffs the past two seasons.
"Obviously he's one of the better goalies in the league," Joseph said. "I think we'll make a strong tandem. That's what being partners is about -- helping each other."
2002 Games Men's Hockey Coverage
