Ice hockey at the 2010 Winter Olympics
Encyclopedia
Ice hockey
at the 2010 Winter Olympics
was held at Canada Hockey Place, home of the National Hockey League
's Vancouver Canucks
, and at UBC Winter Sports Centre
, home of the Canadian Interuniversity Sport
's UBC Thunderbirds
. Twelve teams competed in the men's event and eight teams competed in the women's event. Canada won both tournaments with victories against the United States, while Finland won both bronze games, however against different opponents.
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper
and US President Barack Obama
, through their respective spokesmen, Dimitri Soudas
and Robert Gibbs
, made friendly wagers on the outcome of the men's gold medal game. As Team Canada won, Harper received a case of Molson Canadian
(brewed by Canada's oldest brewery) from Obama on March 19, along with a case of Obama's favourite American beer, Yuengling (brewed by the oldest surviving brewery in the U.S.), both delivered in person to 24 Sussex Drive
by US Ambassador David Jacobson
and both to be donated to the Hockey Hall of Fame
in Toronto. In settlement of a separate bet, Gibbs wore a Team Canada jersey at his press briefing on March 12, subsequently revealing a Team USA jersey under it.
It was the fifth Olympic appearance for Finns Jere Lehtinen
and Teemu Selänne
, thus making them only the sixth and seventh hockey players to compete at five Olympics after Udo Kießling, Petter Thoresen
, Raimo Helminen
, Dieter Hegen
and Denis Perez
. (Helminen remains the only ice hockey player to compete at six Olympics.)
players have been allowed to compete, the 2010 tournament marked the first time that the Olympics were held in a city with an NHL team. For the first time, Olympic games were played on a narrower NHL-sized ice rink, measuring 61 m × 26 m (200 ft × 85 ft), instead of the international size of 61 m × 30 m (200 ft × 98.4 ft). By permitting the use of existing venues without rink modifications, this was expected to save $10 million (CAD) in construction costs and allow more spectators to attend games.
This was also the first Olympics in which the four-official
system, with two referees and two linesmen, was used during the men's tournament. The NHL began using the two-referee system in the 1998–99 season, while the IIHF
first started using it in its major men's championship tournaments in the 2008 IIHF World Championship
. However, for the women's tournament in Vancouver, the IIHF used the standard three-official system with one referee and two linesmen, saying that the four-official system is not currently needed in women's international hockey.
and 18,810 seat General Motors Place, which was renamed Canada Hockey Place during the event because corporate sponsorship is not allowed for an Olympic venue. The games are played on a North American ice surface which is four metres narrower than international rinks.
to play the longest road trip in NHL
history, playing 14 games over six weeks, from 27 January to 13 March, so that GM Place could be used for the tournament. Because of the Olympics, the ice surface and boards needed to be devoid of advertising and some seating areas needed to be converted to press rows for the duration of the games.
's collective bargaining agreement
, an agreement was reached allowing NHL participation in both the 2006
and 2010 Winter Olympics
. Some NHL team owners opposed having their players participate in the tournament because of concerns that the league's players could get injured or become exhausted. Several players were injured during the 2006 Winter Olympics and were forced to miss NHL games. Gary Bettman
addressed the issue saying that several format changes were being discussed, so that the tournament would be "a little easier for everybody."
was structured around the 2008 IIHF World Ranking. The top nine teams in the World Ranking after the 2008 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships
received automatic berths into the Olympics, while all remaining member federations could attempt to qualify for the remaining three spots in the Olympics. In October 2008, the four lowest entrants played off for a spot in the first round. Teams then ranked 19th through 30th played in a first qualification round in November 2008, where the top three teams from the round advance to the second qualification round. Teams ranked 10th through 18th joined the three top teams from the first qualifying round to play in a second qualification round. The top three teams from the second qualifying round advanced to the Olympic tournament.
into three groups of four teams. In the preliminary round, a team plays one game against every other team in its own group (for a total of 18 preliminary round games). Following the completion of the preliminary round, the teams are ranked 1 through 12 based on the results. The top four ranked teams receive byes to the quarterfinals, with the remaining eight teams playing for the remaining four quarterfinal positions. Following that, the final eight teams play elimination rounds to determine the gold and silver medals, and the two losing teams of the semi-finals play for the bronze medal. Each team is allowed to have 20 skaters (forwards
and defensemen) and two or three goaltenders, all of whom must be citizens of the country they represent.
Group B
Group C
received automatic berths into the Ice Hockey event. Lower ranked teams had an opportunity to qualify for the event. Teams ranked 13th and below were divided into two groups where they played in a first qualification round in September 2008. The two group winners from the round advanced to the second qualification round, where the teams ranked seventh through twelfth joined them.
Group A
Group B
Ice hockey at the Olympic Games
Ice hockey tournaments have been staged at the Olympic Games since 1920. The men's tournament was introduced at the 1920 Summer Olympics and was transferred permanently to the Winter Olympic Games programme in 1924. The women's tournament was first held at the 1998 Winter Olympics...
at the 2010 Winter Olympics
2010 Winter Olympics
The 2010 Winter Olympics, officially the XXI Olympic Winter Games or the 21st Winter Olympics, were a major international multi-sport event held from February 12–28, 2010, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, with some events held in the suburbs of Richmond, West Vancouver and the University...
was held at Canada Hockey Place, home of the National Hockey League
National Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
's Vancouver Canucks
Vancouver Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks are a professional ice hockey team based in Vancouver, :British Columbia, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Canucks play their home games at Rogers Arena, formerly known as General Motors Place,...
, and at UBC Winter Sports Centre
UBC Winter Sports Centre
The Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre is a LEED Silver certified indoor arena in Canada, on the campus of the University of British Columbia. Located in the University Endowment Lands, it is just outside the city limits of Vancouver, British Columbia...
, home of the Canadian Interuniversity Sport
Canadian Interuniversity Sport
Canadian Interuniversity Sport is the national governing body of university sport in Canada, comprising the majority of degree granting universities in the country. Its equivalent body for organized sports at colleges in Canada is The Canadian Colleges Athletic Association...
's UBC Thunderbirds
UBC Thunderbirds
The UBC Thunderbirds are the athletic teams that represent the University of British Columbia in the University Endowment Lands just outside the city limits of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. They are one of the most successful teams in the CIS, though a few of their teams are members of the U.S...
. Twelve teams competed in the men's event and eight teams competed in the women's event. Canada won both tournaments with victories against the United States, while Finland won both bronze games, however against different opponents.
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper
Stephen Harper
Stephen Joseph Harper is the 22nd and current Prime Minister of Canada and leader of the Conservative Party. Harper became prime minister when his party formed a minority government after the 2006 federal election...
and US President Barack Obama
Barack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
, through their respective spokesmen, Dimitri Soudas
Dimitri Soudas
Dimitri Soudas is the outgoing director of communications in the Canadian Prime Minister's Office. In addition to his media responsibilities, Soudas is a key advisor to Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Quebec issues....
and Robert Gibbs
Robert Gibbs
Robert Lane Gibbs was the 28th White House Press Secretary. Gibbs was the communications director for then-U.S. Senator Barack Obama and Obama's 2008 presidential campaign...
, made friendly wagers on the outcome of the men's gold medal game. As Team Canada won, Harper received a case of Molson Canadian
Molson Canadian
Molson Canadian is a brand of 5% abv North American lager brewed by Molson, the Canadian division of Molson Coors Brewing Company. The beer was introduced in 1959.-Awards:Molson Canadian has won several beer industry awards, including:...
(brewed by Canada's oldest brewery) from Obama on March 19, along with a case of Obama's favourite American beer, Yuengling (brewed by the oldest surviving brewery in the U.S.), both delivered in person to 24 Sussex Drive
24 Sussex Drive
24 Sussex Drive is the official residence of the Prime Minister of Canada, located in the New Edinburgh neighbourhood of Ottawa, Ontario. Built between 1866 and 1868 by Joseph Merrill Currier, it has been the official home of the Canadian prime minister since 1951.-History:The house at 24 Sussex...
by US Ambassador David Jacobson
David Jacobson
David Jacobson is an American screenwriter and film director from Van Nuys, Los Angeles, California. His film Down in the Valley was screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival.-Feature films:* ...
and both to be donated to the Hockey Hall of Fame
Hockey Hall of Fame
The Hockey Hall of Fame is located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Dedicated to the history of ice hockey, it is both a museum and a hall of fame. It holds exhibits about players, teams, National Hockey League records, memorabilia and NHL trophies, including the Stanley Cup...
in Toronto. In settlement of a separate bet, Gibbs wore a Team Canada jersey at his press briefing on March 12, subsequently revealing a Team USA jersey under it.
It was the fifth Olympic appearance for Finns Jere Lehtinen
Jere Lehtinen
Jere Kalervo Lehtinen is a former Finnish professional ice hockey forward. He played as a right wing. He was drafted 88th overall in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft by the Minnesota North Stars. Lehtinen handles defensive aspects of the game as well as offensive, hence he is a two-way forward for which...
and Teemu Selänne
Teemu Selänne
Teemu Ilmari Selänne nicknamed "The Finnish Flash" is a Finnish professional ice hockey winger, an alternate captain of the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League . An offensive player known for his skill and speed, Selanne has led the NHL in goal-scoring three times and has been named to...
, thus making them only the sixth and seventh hockey players to compete at five Olympics after Udo Kießling, Petter Thoresen
Petter Thoresen (ice hockey)
Petter Thoresen is a Norwegian ice hockey manager and former player, currently managing Stavanger Oilers, where he has been in charge since March 2009. As a player he played for Forward, Hasle/Løren, Manglerud Star, Storhamar Dragons and Vålerenga...
, Raimo Helminen
Raimo Helminen
Raimo Ilmari Helminen is a Finnish former professional ice hockey player. He is often called "Raipe" or "Maestro" by his fans...
, Dieter Hegen
Dieter Hegen
Dieter Hegen is a retired professional ice hockey player who played in the Ice Hockey Bundesliga and its replacement the Deutsche Eishockey Liga.-Playing career:...
and Denis Perez
Denis Perez
Denis Perez , is a French ice hockey player and coach. He competed at five consecutive Olympics from 1988 to 2002, thus becoming the fifth hockey player to do so after Udo Kießling , Petter Thoresen , Raimo Helminen , and Dieter Hegen .He played for most of his career in the Ligue Magnus, the top...
. (Helminen remains the only ice hockey player to compete at six Olympics.)
Medal table
| 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | |
| 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | |
| 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | |
| Total | 2 | 2 | 2 | 6 |
Medalists
| Men's |
Patrice Bergeron Patrice Bergeron Patrice Bergeron is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre and alternate captain currently playing for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League... Dan Boyle Martin Brodeur Martin Brodeur Martin Pierre Brodeur is a French-Canadian ice hockey goaltender who has played his entire National Hockey League career with the New Jersey Devils. In his 19-year tenure with the Devils, he has won three Stanley Cup championships and has been in the playoffs every year but two... Sidney Crosby (A) Sidney Crosby Sidney Patrick Crosby ONS is a Canadian professional ice hockey player and captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League . Crosby was drafted first overall by the Penguins out of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League... Drew Doughty Drew Doughty Andrew 'Drew' Phillip Doughty is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who currently plays for the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League... Marc-André Fleury Marc-Andre Fleury Marc-André Fleury is a French Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League... Ryan Getzlaf Ryan Getzlaf Ryan Getzlaf is a Canadian professional ice hockey player. He is a centre and the captain of the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League . He grew up in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada and he played junior hockey with the Calgary Hitmen... Dany Heatley Dany Heatley Daniel James Heatley is a Canadian professional ice hockey winger, and alternate captain for the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League . Originally drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers second overall in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, he won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the top NHL rookie in 2002... Jarome Iginla (A) Jarome Iginla Jarome Arthur-Leigh Adekunle Tig Junior Elvis Iginla is a Canadian professional ice hockey player for the Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League . A six-time NHL All-Star, he is the Flames' all-time leader in goals, points, and games played, and is second in assists to Al MacInnis... Duncan Keith Duncan Keith Duncan Keith is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who is an alternate captain for the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League... Roberto Luongo Roberto Luongo Roberto Luongo is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender for the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League . Born in Montreal, Quebec, he is of Italian and Irish ancestry. He employs the butterfly style of goaltending... Patrick Marleau Patrick Marleau Patrick Denis Marleau is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League. He serves as the alternate captain for the Sharks during home games... Brenden Morrow Brenden Morrow Brenden Morrow is a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger and captain of the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League . Morrow played junior hockey in the Western Hockey League for the Portland Winter Hawks. During his junior career, he helped Portland win the Memorial Cup during the... Rick Nash Rick Nash Rick Nash is a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger and captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League .... Scott Niedermayer (C) Scott Niedermayer Scott Niedermayer is a retired Canadian ice hockey defenceman who played 18 seasons in the National Hockey League for two teams: the New Jersey Devils and the Anaheim Ducks. Niedermayer was known for his skating stride, and ability for leading or joining the offensive rush... Corey Perry Corey Perry Corey Perry is a Canadian professional ice hockey winger currently playing for the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League . Drafted out of the Ontario Hockey League , he captured a Memorial Cup with the London Knights and a gold medal with Team Canada at the World Junior Championships during... Chris Pronger (A) Chris Pronger Christopher Robert Pronger is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman and captain for the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League . Originally selected 2nd overall by the Hartford Whalers in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft, Pronger has played for Hartford, the St... Mike Richards Mike Richards Michael Richards is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre for the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League . He previously played for and was captain of the Philadelphia Flyers.-Early years:... Brent Seabrook Brent Seabrook Brent Seabrook is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman playing for the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League . He was selected 14th overall by the Blackhawks in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft out of the Western Hockey League . He played four seasons of junior with the Lethbridge... Eric Staal Eric Staal Eric Craig Staal is a Canadian ice hockey player and the captain of the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League... Joe Thornton Joe Thornton Joseph Eric Thornton is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre and captain of the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League . He was selected first overall by the Boston Bruins in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft and went on to play seven seasons with the club, five as its Captain. During the... Jonathan Toews Jonathan Toews Jonathan Bryan Toews is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre who plays for and is captain of the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League . He is currently the youngest captain in the NHL, having been appointed in 2008.... Shea Weber Shea Weber Shea Michael Weber is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman in the National Hockey League . An NHL All-Star and Olympic gold medalist, he is the captain of the Nashville Predators.... |
David Backes David Backes (ice hockey) David Anthony Backes is an American professional ice hockey right winger and captain of the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League .... Dustin Brown Ryan Callahan Ryan Callahan Ryan Callahan is an American ice hockey forward and captain of the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League .-Playing career:Callahan played one year of high school hockey for Hilton High School... Chris Drury Chris Drury Christopher Drury is an American retired professional ice hockey player. Drury is a Hobey Baker Award-winner with Boston University, a Calder Trophy winner with the Colorado Avalanche, a Stanley Cup champion with the Avalanche, a two-time Olympic silver medalist with the United States, and a... Tim Gleason Tim Gleason Timothy Gleason is an American professional ice hockey defenseman and an alternate captain of the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League.-Playing career:... Erik Johnson Erik Johnson Erik Robert Johnson is an American ice hockey defenseman playing for the Colorado Avalanche in the National Hockey League . He was formerly with the St Louis Blues. Johnson, the number one overall pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, was drafted by the Blues from the U.S... Jack Johnson Patrick Kane Patrick Kane Patrick Timothy Kane, Jr. is an American professional ice hockey right winger currently playing for the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League . The Blackhawks selected him with the first overall pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.-Minor and junior:Kane attended the St... Ryan Kesler Ryan Kesler Ryan James Kesler is an American professional ice hockey center for the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League . He serves as an alternate captain for the Canucks during home games. Selected in the first round, 23rd overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, Kesler has... Phil Kessel Phil Kessel Philip Joseph Kessel, Jr. is an American professional ice hockey forward, and an alternate captain for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League . Kessel is a product of USA Hockey's National Development Team and became that program's all-time leader for goals and points in his final... Jamie Langenbrunner Jamie Langenbrunner James Craig Langenbrunner is an American professional ice hockey player. He's an alternate captain of the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League . He was the captain of the 2010 United States Olympic Team... Ryan Malone Ryan Malone Ryan Malone is an American professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning in the National Hockey League .-Playing career:... Ryan Miller Ryan Miller Ryan Miller is a professional ice hockey goaltender for the Buffalo Sabres.Other people named Ryan Miller:*Ryan Miller , video game designer and author*Ryan Miller , lead singer and guitar player for the band Guster... Brooks Orpik Brooks Orpik Brooks Orpik is an American professional ice hockey defenseman, an alternate captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League . His brother, Andrew, was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres organization and is also currently in the Pittsburgh Penguins organization... Zach Parise Zach Parise Zachary Justin Parise is an American professional ice hockey left winger of French-Canadian origin and captain of the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League . Parise's father, J. P... Joe Pavelski Joe Pavelski Joseph Pavelski is an American professional ice hockey player now playing for the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League . He scored a goal in his first NHL game, making him the 11th Sharks player in the history of the team to do so... Jonathan Quick Jonathan Quick Jonathan Douglas "Jon" Quick is an American professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League .-Playing career:... Brian Rafalski Brian Rafalski Brian Christopher Rafalski is a retired American professional ice hockey defenseman who played 15 professional ice hockey seasons for five teams: 11 in the National Hockey League for two teams , three in SM-liiga for two teams prior to entering the NHL, and one in Elitserien for... Bobby Ryan Bobby Ryan Bobby Ryan is a winger currently playing for the Anaheim Ducks. Ryan grew up in Collingswood, New Jersey.-Playing career:... Paul Stastny Paul Stastny Paul Stastny is an American professional ice hockey center, an alternate captain for the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League . Of Slovak lineage, Stastny is the son of Hockey Hall of Famer Peter Stastny, who played for the Avalanche's predecessor, the Quebec Nordiques... Ryan Suter Ryan Suter Ryan Suter is a professional ice hockey defenseman who currently plays for and serves as an alternate captain for the Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League . He is also an alternate captain of the US Olympic Team for the 2010 Winter Olympics... Tim Thomas Tim Thomas (ice hockey) Timothy James Thomas, Jr. is an American professional ice hockey goaltender with the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League . Raised in Davison, MI, Thomas played college hockey for the University of Vermont for four years, from 1993–1997, during which he was drafted 217th overall by the... Ryan Whitney Ryan Whitney Ryan Whitney is an American professional ice hockey defenseman and alternate captain currently playing for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League .... |
Niklas Bäckström Niklas Bäckström Niklas Oskar Bäckström is a Finnish professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League . He has won both William M. Jennings Trophy and Roger Crozier Saving Grace Award... Valtteri Filppula Valtteri Filppula Valtteri Filppula is a Finnish professional ice hockey forward, currently playing for the Detroit Red Wings of the NHL... Niklas Hagman Niklas Hagman Niklas Hagman is a Finnish professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League . He was a third round pick of the Florida Panthers, 70th overall, at the 1999 NHL Entry Draft and made his NHL debut with Florida in 2001... Jarkko Immonen Jarkko Immonen Jarkko Immonen is a Finnish professional ice hockey forward currently playing for Ak Bars Kazan of the Kontinental Hockey League .-Playing career:... Olli Jokinen Olli Jokinen Olli Jokinen is a Finnish professional ice hockey player currently playing for the Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League . He was initially drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in 1997, third overall after Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau. He was the captain of the Florida Panthers from 2003... Niko Kapanen Niko Kapanen Niko Klaus Petteri Kapanen is a Finnish professional ice hockey centre, currently playing for Ak Bars Kazan of the Kontinental Hockey League .-Playing career:... Miikka Kiprusoff Miikka Kiprusoff Miikka Sakari Kiprusoff is a Finnish professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League . He was selected in the fifth round, 116th overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft. He has also played for TPS of the Finnish SM-liiga... Mikko Koivu Mikko Koivu Mikko Sakari Koivu is a Finnish professional ice hockey center and captain of the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League... Saku Koivu Saku Koivu Saku Antero Koivu is a Finnish professional ice hockey player and an alternate captain of the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League . He began his NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens in 1995–96 after three seasons with TPS of the Finnish SM-liiga... Lasse Kukkonen Lasse Kukkonen Lasse Kukkonen is a Finnish professional ice hockey defenceman who plays for Metallurg Magnitogorsk of the Kontinental Hockey League... Jere Lehtinen Jere Lehtinen Jere Kalervo Lehtinen is a former Finnish professional ice hockey forward. He played as a right wing. He was drafted 88th overall in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft by the Minnesota North Stars. Lehtinen handles defensive aspects of the game as well as offensive, hence he is a two-way forward for which... Sami Lepistö Sami Lepistö Sami Lepistö is a Finnish professional ice hockey defenceman who is currently playing for the Chicago Blackhawks. He is the son of former Jokerit captain and youth international defenceman Jussi Lepistö... Toni Lydman Toni Lydman Toni Lydman is a Finnish professional ice hockey defenceman with the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League. He has previously played for the Buffalo Sabres, Calgary Flames, Tappara , and HIFK . He lives with his wife Heta and his two daughters, Amanda and Ellen... Antti Miettinen Antti Miettinen Antti Miettinen is a Finnish professional ice hockey forward who plays for Ak Bars Kazan of the KHL in Russia-Playing career:... Antero Niittymäki Antero Niittymäki Antero Pertti Elias Niittymäki is a Finnish professional ice hockey goaltender who is currently a member of the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League. He has previously played for the NHL's Philadelphia Flyers and Tampa Bay Lightning, as well as in the SM-liiga and the American Hockey League... Janne Niskala Janne Niskala Janne Juhani Niskala is a Finnish professional ice hockey defenceman, currently playing for Atlant Mytishchi of the Kontinental Hockey League . He was born in Västerås, Sweden but is of Finnish nationality.... Ville Peltonen Ville Peltonen Ville Peltonen is a Finnish professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the HIFK of the SM-liiga . He was drafted by the San Jose Sharks as their third round pick, 58th overall, in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft.... Joni Pitkänen Joni Pitkänen Joni Pitkänen is a Finnish professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing for the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League .-Playing career:... Jarkko Ruutu Jarkko Ruutu Jarkko Ruutu ; born August 23, 1975) is a Finnish professional ice hockey player. Ruutu is currently playing for SM-Liiga team Jokerit. He is the brother of Tuomo Ruutu, currently playing in the NHL on the Carolina Hurricanes, and retired player Mikko Ruutu.... Tuomo Ruutu Tuomo Ruutu Tuomo Iisakki Ruutu is a Finnish professional ice hockey forward who plays for the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League... Sami Salo Sami Salo Sami Salo is a Finnish professional ice hockey defenceman with the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League . He began his professional career with TPS of the SM-liiga before being selected by the Ottawa Senators with their last pick in the 1996 NHL Entry Draft. He joined the Senators in... Teemu Selänne Teemu Selänne Teemu Ilmari Selänne nicknamed "The Finnish Flash" is a Finnish professional ice hockey winger, an alternate captain of the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League . An offensive player known for his skill and speed, Selanne has led the NHL in goal-scoring three times and has been named to... Kimmo Timonen Kimmo Timonen Kimmo Timonen is a Finnish professional ice hockey defenseman and an alternate captain for the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League .-Playing career:... |
| Women's |
Meghan Agosta Meghan Agosta Meghan Agosta is a women's ice hockey forward, currently playing for Mercyhurst College. Agosta played for the Canada women's national ice hockey team. She has represented Canada at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin and the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, winning gold medals at both... Gillian Apps Gillian Apps Gillian Mary Apps is a women's ice hockey player. She is the granddaughter of Hockey Hall of Fame member Syl Apps and the daughter of former National Hockey League player Syl Apps, Jr... Tessa Bonhomme Tessa Bonhomme Tessa Bonhomme is an Olympic Gold Medalist and member of the Canadian national women's hockey team. She was also a member and co-captain of the Ohio State Buckeyes women's ice hockey team in the NCAA.... Jennifer Botterill Jennifer Botterill Jennifer Botterill, OM is a retired women's hockey player who played for the Canadian national women's hockey team, Mississauga Chiefs and the Toronto Aeros. Her final game was the 2011 Clarkson Cup final, a 5-0 loss to the Montreal Stars... Jayna Hefford Jayna Hefford Jayna Hefford is a women's ice hockey player. Hefford played forward for the Canadian women's team at the Winter Olympics in 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010... Haley Irwin Haley Irwin Haley Irwin is a member of the 2009–10 Hockey Canada national women's team and also plays for the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs.-Playing career:... Rebecca Johnston Rebecca Johnston Rebecca Johnston is a member of the Canada women's national ice hockey team. Also she plays for Cornell University.-Canada Winter Games:... Becky Kellar Becky Kellar Becky Kellar is a women's ice hockey player. She currently plays for Burlington in the Canadian Women's Hockey League.... Gina Kingsbury Gina Kingsbury Gina Kingsbury is a retired women's ice hockey player. She graduated from St. Lawrence University with a degree in psychology. She ranks second all-time in scoring among St... Charline Labonté Charline Labonté Charline Labonté is a women's ice hockey player. Labonté now lives in Montreal, and is studying Physical Education at McGill University.-Playing career:... Carla MacLeod Carla MacLeod Carla MacLeod is a retired member of the Canadian national women's hockey team. MacLeod is related to former Montreal Canadiens legend Maurice Richard.-Playing career:... Meaghan Mikkelson Meaghan Mikkelson Meaghan Mikkelson , is a member of the Canada women's national ice hockey team and also plays for the Edmonton Chimos . Mikkelson also won a gold medal during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. She was selected third overall by Team Alberta CWHL in the 2011 CWHL Draft... Caroline Ouellette Caroline Ouellette Caroline Ouellette is a Canadian ice hockey player. She is a member of the Canadian national women's ice hockey team and a member of Montreal Stars... Cherie Piper Cherie Piper Cherie Piper is a Canadian ice hockey player residing in Markham, Ontario. She is a member of the Canadian national women's hockey team and plays for the Brampton Thunder of the Canadian Women's Hockey League... Marie-Philip Poulin Marie-Philip Poulin Marie-Philip Poulin is a Canadian ice hockey forward, now playing for the Boston University Terriers. Poulin was a member of the Canada women's national ice hockey team that won the gold medal at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, and had previously played for the Dawson College Blues... Kim St-Pierre Kim St-Pierre Kim St-Pierre is a women's ice hockey player.-McGill:In 1998-99, she was the top rookie for the McGill Martlets women's ice hockey team... Colleen Sostorics Colleen Sostorics Colleen Sostorics is a retired Canadian women's ice hockey defenseman. She has played extensively for Canada at the international level, including three Olympic gold medals... Shannon Szabados Shannon Szabados Shannon Szabados is an ice hockey goaltender for the Canadian national hockey team. She also plays for the men's hockey team at Grant MacEwan University in Alberta. Szabados has been the first female player at several different tournaments and in several leagues, both during minor and junior... Sarah Vaillancourt Sarah Vaillancourt Sarah Marie Vaillancourt is a Canadian women's ice hockey player. She is a member of the Canadian national women's hockey team and a member of Montreal Stars .-Playing career:... Catherine Ward Catherine Ward Catherine Ward is a member of the Canada women's national ice hockey team. She was also a member of the 2008–09 McGill Martlets women's hockey season, which won a Canadian Interuniversity Sport title... Hayley Wickenheiser Hayley Wickenheiser Hayley Wickenheiser is a women's ice hockey player from Canada. She was the first woman to play full time professional hockey in a position other than goalie. Wickenheiser is a member of the Canada women's national ice hockey team... |
Kacey Bellamy Caitlin Cahow Caitlin Cahow Caitlin Cahow is an American ice hockey player. She attended the Foote School, where she graduated in 2000 and then attended the Hotchkiss School where she graduated in 2003 after playing soccer, field hockey, ice hockey and lacrosse... Lisa Chesson Lisa Chesson Lisa Chesson is an American ice hockey defenseman. She was named to the United States women’s ice hockey team for the 2010 Winter Olympics.... Julie Chu Julie Chu Julie Chu is an American Olympic ice hockey player who plays the position of forward on the United States women's ice hockey team and the Montreal Stars. Chu's hometown is Fairfield, Connecticut, although she resided in Cambridge, Massachusetts during her college years while playing hockey for... Natalie Darwitz Natalie Darwitz Natalie Darwitz is an American ice hockey player. Natalie has been the Captain of the US Women's National Team since the start of the 2007-08 season... Meghan Duggan Meghan Duggan Meghan Duggan is an American ice hockey forward who represented the United States at the 2010 Winter Olympics, winning a silver medal. She also represented the United States at three Women's World Championships, capturing two gold medals and one silver. Duggan played collegiate hockey with the... Molly Engstrom Molly Engstrom Molly Engstrom is an American ice hockey player of Swedish descent. She is a member of the United States women's national ice hockey team. She won a bronze medal at the 2006 Winter Olympics and a silver medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics... Hilary Knight Hilary Knight (ice hockey) Hilary Knight is an American ice hockey forward. She is a member of the United States women's national ice hockey team.... Jocelyne Lamoureux Jocelyne Lamoureux Jocelyne Lamoureux is an American ice hockey forward. She was named to the United States women's national ice hockey team for the 2010 Winter Olympics along with her twin sister Monique, winning a silver medal. Both sisters have dual American and Canadian citizenship... Monique Lamoureux Monique Lamoureux Monique Lamoureux is an American ice hockey forward. She was named to the United States women's national ice hockey team for the 2010 Winter Olympics as was her twin sister Jocelyne, where they captured a silver medal with team USA... Erika Lawler Erika Lawler Erika Lawler is a member of the 2009–10 United States national women's ice hockey team which participated in the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Lawler played prep hockey at Cushing Academy where she won the Betty Davis Award as the top athlete in her class three times... Gisele Marvin Gisele Marvin Gisele Marvin is a member of the United States national women's ice hockey team. Marvin won a silver medal at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games... Brianne McLaughlin Brianne McLaughlin Brianne McLaughlin is an American ice hockey goaltender. She is a member of the United States women's national ice hockey team.-Playing career:... Jenny Schmidgall-Potter Angela Ruggiero Angela Ruggiero Angela Marie Ruggiero is an American ice hockey defenseman. She is a member of the United States women's national ice hockey team. She is also the author of a memoir about her hockey experiences and a former contestant on the NBC reality show The Apprentice... Molly Schaus Molly Schaus Molly Schaus is an American ice hockey goaltender. She is a member of the United States women's national ice hockey team. She was drafted 2nd overall by the Boston Blades in the 2011 CWHL Draft.-Early life:... Kelli Stack Kelli Stack Kelli Stack is an American ice hockey forward. She is a member of the United States women's national ice hockey team. Stack competed for the Boston College Eagles women's ice hockey program and after completing her Olympic commitment, returned to Boston College for her senior year of 2010-11... Karen Thatcher Karen Thatcher Karen Thatcher is an American ice hockey forward. She was named to the United States women’s ice hockey team for the 2010 Winter Olympics.-NCAA:... Jessie Vetter Kerry Weiland Kerry Weiland Kerry Weiland is an American ice hockey defenceman. She was named to the United States women’s ice hockey team for the 2010 Winter Olympics.Weiland competed for the University of Wisconsin-Madison... Jinelle Zaugg-Siergiej Jinelle Zaugg-Siergiej Jinelle Zaugg was a member of the 2009–10 United States national women's ice hockey team and won a silver medal at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Zaugg also played hockey for the Wisconsin Badgers and won the NCAA title in 2006... |
Anne Helin Anne Helin Anne Helin is a hockey player who competes for Finland women's national ice hockey team. She won a bronze medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.... Jenni Hiirikoski Jenni Hiirikoski Jenni Hiirikoski is a hockey player who competes for Finland women's national ice hockey team.... Venla Hovi Venla Hovi Venla Hovi is a hockey player who competes for Finland women's national ice hockey team. She won a bronze medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.... Michelle Karvinen Michelle Karvinen Michelle Karvinen is a Danish-Finnish ice hockey player. She is a member of the Finland women's national ice hockey team.-Playing career:She play for Rodovre SIK in the Denmark national Women's league... Mira Kuisma Mira Kuisma Mira Kuisma is a hockey player who competes for Finland. She won a bronze medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.-External links:* , from http://www.vancouver2010.com; retrieved 2010-02-25.... Emma Laaksonen Emma Laaksonen Emma Laaksonen is a Finnish female ice hockey defenseman. She played on the women's ice hockey team for Finland at the 1998 Winter Olympics, winning a bronze medal. She was the youngest woman on the team . Laaksonen played for the Ohio State women's ice hockey team from the 2000-01 to 2003-04... Rosa Lindstedt Rosa Lindstedt Rosa Lindstedt is a hockey player who competes for Finland women's national ice hockey team. She won a bronze medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver and a bronze medal at the 2010 Four Nations Cup in St... Terhi Mertanen Terhi Mertanen Terhi Mertanen is a hockey player who competes for Finland women's national ice hockey team. She won a bronze medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.... Heidi Pelttari Heidi Pelttari Heidi Pelttari is a Finnish hockey player who plays for Ilves and the Finnish national team on Winter Olympics 2006. She is also played for team Finland in the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada... Mariia Posa Mariia Posa Mariia Posa is a member of the Finland women's ice hockey national team. She plays also for the University of Minnesota-Duluth.-Minnesota Duluth:... Annina Rajahuhta Annina Rajahuhta Annina Rajahuhta is a hockey player who competes for Finland women's national ice hockey team. She won a bronze medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.-Playing career:... Karoliina Rantamäki Karoliina Rantamäki Karoliina Rantamäki is a Finnish female ice hockey player. She played on the Finland women's national ice hockey team for the 1998 Winter Olympics, and won a bronze medal.-Playing career:... Noora Räty Noora Räty Noora Räty is a member of the Finland women's national ice hockey team and also plays for the Minnesota Golden Gophers .-Playing career:... Mari Saarinen Mari Saarinen Mari Saarinen is a Finnish ice hockey forward She plays for IlvesTampere and appeared in the 2006 Winter Olympics. She is set to play on the Finnish team of Ice hockey at the 2010 Winter Olympics – Women's team rosters... Saija Sirviö Saija Sirviö Saija Sirviö is a hockey player who competes for Finland. She won a bronze medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.-Career stats:-External links:* , from http://www.vancouver2010.com; retrieved 2010-02-25.... Nina Tikkinen Nina Tikkinen Nina Tikkinen is a member of the 2009–10 Finland women's ice hockey national team and also plays for the Minnesota State University, Mankato.-Finland:... Minnamari Tuominen Saara Tuominen Saara Tuominen Saara Elisa Tuominen has competed for Finland in ice hockey. At the 2006 Torino Olympics, Tuominen scored one goal and four assists... Linda Välimäki Linda Välimäki Linda Välimäki is a hockey player who competes for Finland. She won a bronze medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.-Career stats:-External links:*... Anna Vanhatalo Anna Vanhatalo Anna Vanhatalo is a hockey player who competes for Finland women's national ice hockey team. She won a bronze medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.... Marjo Voutilainen Marjo Voutilainen Marjo Voutilainen is a hockey player who competes for Finland. She won a bronze medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.-Career stats:-External links:* , from http://www.vancouver2010.com; retrieved 2010-02-25.... |
Changes from previous tournaments
Since NHLNational Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
players have been allowed to compete, the 2010 tournament marked the first time that the Olympics were held in a city with an NHL team. For the first time, Olympic games were played on a narrower NHL-sized ice rink, measuring 61 m × 26 m (200 ft × 85 ft), instead of the international size of 61 m × 30 m (200 ft × 98.4 ft). By permitting the use of existing venues without rink modifications, this was expected to save $10 million (CAD) in construction costs and allow more spectators to attend games.
This was also the first Olympics in which the four-official
Official (ice hockey)
In ice hockey, an official is a person who has some responsibility in enforcing the rules and maintaining the order of the game. There are two categories of officials, on-ice officials, who are the referees and linesmen that enforce the rules during game play, and off-ice officials, who have an...
system, with two referees and two linesmen, was used during the men's tournament. The NHL began using the two-referee system in the 1998–99 season, while the IIHF
International Ice Hockey Federation
The International Ice Hockey Federation is the worldwide governing body for ice hockey and in-line hockey. It is based in Zurich, Switzerland, and has 70 members...
first started using it in its major men's championship tournaments in the 2008 IIHF World Championship
2008 IIHF World Championship
The 2008 IIHF World Championship was played between May 2 and May 18, 2008 in the Canadian cities of Halifax and Quebec City . The two venues were the Halifax Metro Centre and the Colisée Pepsi...
. However, for the women's tournament in Vancouver, the IIHF used the standard three-official system with one referee and two linesmen, saying that the four-official system is not currently needed in women's international hockey.
Venues
The games of the 2010 tournament were held at the 6,800 seat UBC Winter Sports CentreUBC Winter Sports Centre
The Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre is a LEED Silver certified indoor arena in Canada, on the campus of the University of British Columbia. Located in the University Endowment Lands, it is just outside the city limits of Vancouver, British Columbia...
and 18,810 seat General Motors Place, which was renamed Canada Hockey Place during the event because corporate sponsorship is not allowed for an Olympic venue. The games are played on a North American ice surface which is four metres narrower than international rinks.
Impact on the Vancouver Canucks
The games of the tournament forced the CanucksVancouver Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks are a professional ice hockey team based in Vancouver, :British Columbia, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Canucks play their home games at Rogers Arena, formerly known as General Motors Place,...
to play the longest road trip in NHL
National Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
history, playing 14 games over six weeks, from 27 January to 13 March, so that GM Place could be used for the tournament. Because of the Olympics, the ice surface and boards needed to be devoid of advertising and some seating areas needed to be converted to press rows for the duration of the games.
Men's tournament
Following negotiations in the National Hockey LeagueNational Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
's collective bargaining agreement
NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement
The NHL collective bargaining agreement is the basic contract between the National Hockey League team owners and the NHL Players Association , designed to be arrived at through the typical labor-management negotiations of collective bargaining...
, an agreement was reached allowing NHL participation in both the 2006
2006 Winter Olympics
The 2006 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XX Olympic Winter Games, was a winter multi-sport event which was celebrated in Turin, Italy from February 10, 2006, through February 26, 2006. This marked the second time Italy hosted the Olympic Winter Games, the first being the VII Olympic Winter...
and 2010 Winter Olympics
2010 Winter Olympics
The 2010 Winter Olympics, officially the XXI Olympic Winter Games or the 21st Winter Olympics, were a major international multi-sport event held from February 12–28, 2010, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, with some events held in the suburbs of Richmond, West Vancouver and the University...
. Some NHL team owners opposed having their players participate in the tournament because of concerns that the league's players could get injured or become exhausted. Several players were injured during the 2006 Winter Olympics and were forced to miss NHL games. Gary Bettman
Gary Bettman
Gary Bruce Bettman is the commissioner of the National Hockey League , a post he has held since February 1, 1993. Previously, Bettman was a senior vice-president and general counsel to the National Basketball Association...
addressed the issue saying that several format changes were being discussed, so that the tournament would be "a little easier for everybody."
Qualification
Qualification for the men's tournament at the 2010 Winter Olympics2010 Winter Olympics
The 2010 Winter Olympics, officially the XXI Olympic Winter Games or the 21st Winter Olympics, were a major international multi-sport event held from February 12–28, 2010, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, with some events held in the suburbs of Richmond, West Vancouver and the University...
was structured around the 2008 IIHF World Ranking. The top nine teams in the World Ranking after the 2008 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships
2008 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships
The 2008 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships was the 72nd such event hosted by the International Ice Hockey Federation. Teams representing 48 countries will participate in four levels of competition. The competition will also serve as qualifications for the 2009 competition...
received automatic berths into the Olympics, while all remaining member federations could attempt to qualify for the remaining three spots in the Olympics. In October 2008, the four lowest entrants played off for a spot in the first round. Teams then ranked 19th through 30th played in a first qualification round in November 2008, where the top three teams from the round advance to the second qualification round. Teams ranked 10th through 18th joined the three top teams from the first qualifying round to play in a second qualification round. The top three teams from the second qualifying round advanced to the Olympic tournament.
Format
The twelve teams in the men's event are seededSeed (sports)
A seed is a preliminary ranking that can be used in arranging a sports tournament. It is called a seed because of the analogy with plants where the seed might grow into a top rank at the end of that tournament, or might instead wither away...
into three groups of four teams. In the preliminary round, a team plays one game against every other team in its own group (for a total of 18 preliminary round games). Following the completion of the preliminary round, the teams are ranked 1 through 12 based on the results. The top four ranked teams receive byes to the quarterfinals, with the remaining eight teams playing for the remaining four quarterfinal positions. Following that, the final eight teams play elimination rounds to determine the gold and silver medals, and the two losing teams of the semi-finals play for the bronze medal. Each team is allowed to have 20 skaters (forwards
Forward (ice hockey)
In ice hockey, a forward is a player position on the ice whose primary responsibility is to score goals. Generally, the forwards try to stay in three different lanes, also known as thirds, of the ice going from goal to goal. It is not mandatory however, to stay in a lane. Staying in a lane aids in...
and defensemen) and two or three goaltenders, all of whom must be citizens of the country they represent.
Participating nations
Group AGroup B
Group C
Qualification
The women's tournament used a qualification format similar to the system used for the men's tournament. The top six teams in the IIHF Women's World Ranking after the 2008 Women's World Ice Hockey Championships2008 Women's World Ice Hockey Championships
The 2008 Women's World Ice Hockey Championships were held from April 4 to April 13, 2008, in Harbin, People's Republic of China.It was the 11th event, and was run by the International Ice Hockey Federation ....
received automatic berths into the Ice Hockey event. Lower ranked teams had an opportunity to qualify for the event. Teams ranked 13th and below were divided into two groups where they played in a first qualification round in September 2008. The two group winners from the round advanced to the second qualification round, where the teams ranked seventh through twelfth joined them.
Format
The eight teams will be split into two divisions of four teams and each team will play three preliminary games. Following the completion of the preliminary round, the top two teams from each division will advance to the medal round and compete in a playoff to determine the gold medalist. The other four will play classification games. Each team is allowed to have between 15 to 18 skaters (forwards and defensemen) and either two or three goaltenders.Participating nations
A total of eight national teams competed in the women's ice hockey tournament.Group A
Group B