With the 2010 Winter Games only a week away, Canadians feel that this is our year. This is the year that our boys will bring home the gold. While hockey is very much a team event, there is without a doubt a unique pressure on the individuals who dare to stand between the pipes. With every mistake celebrated by the opposing team and plastered across multiple scoreboards in glaring yellow lights, it’s easy to see that no other player on the ice carries the same weight as the goaltender. This year, Team Canada has filled this ever important position with two of the NHL‘s most elite and celebrated goaltenders: Martin Brodeur of the New Jersey Devils paired with Roberto Luongo of the Vancouver Canucks.
With an impressive nineteen years in the NHL under his belt, Martin Brodeur holds records for most shutouts, regular season wins, and games played, just to name a few. Not to mention his jam packed shelf of awards consisting of four Vezina Trophies, four Jennings Trophies, ten NHL All-Star Awards, and one Calder Trophy. Martin is also one of only a couple goalies to have scored goals in both the regular season and playoffs. His 6′ 2” frame and stand-up style of play, make him virtually unbeatable. He’s carried his New Jersey Devils to the three Stanley Cup Championships, as well as been on the front line for Team Canada when they won gold at the 2002 Winter Games. There is no question that Martin Brodeur is the top choice goaltender for us. I for one will feel extremely confident knowing that Brodeur will be minding the net for Team Canada in 2010.