Wednesday, November 28, 2001
Shine's still on Redden
Sens blueliner remains in contention for Olympic spot
By BRUCE GARRIOCH -- Ottawa Sun
ST. LOUIS -- Wade Redden spent part of yesterday getting a shoe shine at a downtown shopping mall.
In the next three weeks, the Senators defenceman will have to continue to put his best foot forward to be named to Canada's Olympic team when the final roster is announced Dec. 22.
While Redden is getting support from Ottawa coach Jacques Martin to play in Salt Lake City, there's plenty of competition for the four remaining roster spots that will be reserved for defencemen by GM Wayne Gretzky.
"I wanted to come in this year and give myself a chance to make the team," said Redden, prior to last night's game against the St. Louis Blues at the Savvis Center. "This is a big year for me and for our team.
"We want to have a good year for a number of different reasons, and have success in the playoffs. If I don't make it (to the Olympic team), at least I'll know that I gave it my best shot and hopefully I'll just keep getting better."
IN A BATTLE
The 24-year-old Redden is in a battle to make Canada's roster. He attended the club's orientation camp in Calgary in September, but evaluations are being made on what's happened this year.
In the words of Martin: "He's been our best defenceman. He's played strong for us. He deserves a chance to play."
But Martin is just one voice on the Canadian staff. Gretzky calls the shots, but Kevin Lowe, Steve Tambellini, Wayne Fleming, Pat Quinn, Ken Hitchcock and Bob Nicholson all have a say on the final roster.
Defencemen Scott Niedermayer (New Jersey), Chris Pronger (St. Louis) and Rob Blake (Colorado) have already been named to the team. Spots are also being reserved for Al MacInnis (St. Louis) and Adam Foote (Colorado).
That means Derek Morris (Calgary), Eric Brewer (Edmonton), Ed Jovanovski (Vancouver) and Redden are battling for two openings. You can eliminate Eric Desjardins (Philadelphia), Scott Stevens (New Jersey) and Richard Matvichuk (Dallas).
Where does Redden stand? Good question.
He's playing almost 30 minutes a night for the Senators and went into the game against the Blues at plus-nine with five goals and five assists. Morris is plus-six with 16 points while Brewer is minus-3 with nine points.
Though Jovanovski, who is minus-two and has 14 points in 26 games, hasn't been eliminated from consideration, Canada will likely opt for speed. Remember, there's no red line in the international game. That should bode well for Redden.
"It's all going to depend who they decide to go with those four, five and six spots," said Redden, who has played for Canada twice at the world championships. "The guys they have to choose from all play a similar style.
"It's going to depend on what they want. The way I play, I'm not that physical, but I try to play the angles well. That's what I do here to try to make me successful and you're going to need that in the international game. You've got to be able to use your speed because of the extra space and no red line."
Obviously, Morris is getting a lot of support because he's gotten off to a strong start, while Brewer is being pushed by Lowe, who has Gretzky's ear.
GETTING NOTICED
So all Redden can do is make sure he gives his best effort to get there.
"You want to play well for a lot of reasons," said Redden. "I know we're getting down to where some decisions have to be made. But, if you play well, then you'll get noticed. I'm just trying to do what I do best out there and I'm sure that the rest will take care of itself."
Gretzky and his staff held a conference call Monday to discuss personnel. Nothing formal is scheduled, but Martin said at some point there will likely be a get together of all the braintrust to make the final decisions.
Until then, Redden will have to let his play do the talking.
2002 Games Men's Hockey Coverage
