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2006 Turin Olympic Coverage
From the author of Legends of Team Canada and creator of 1972 Summit Series.com

TSN's Orientation Camp Notebook Canadian Press 8/18/2005 5:28:46 PM KELOWNA, B.C. (CP) - The new Team Canada jerseys, worn for the first time at the Olympic team orientation camp Thursday, may make a fashion statement but the players would rather have comfort over looks. The players wore the Nike jerseys for one period during Thursday morning's scrimmage before changing back into the old sweaters. "It took four guys to try to put it on me at the start," said Vancouver Canuck forward Todd Bertuzzi. "They couldn't quite get it on me over my stomach. They would look good with a pair jeans going to a bar maybe. I think they are going to have to fix them up for a few guys. We have a lot of big guys on this team." Colorado's Alex Tanguay said being a smaller player his jersey fit fine, but there were some laughs in the dressing room as the players struggled to get into the new sweaters. "We started looking at each other and looked at how sexy we looked," he laughed. The new sweaters are supposed to be lighter and cooler. "I didn't really notice," shrugged Dany Heatley of the Atlanta Thrashers. "If they say it's lighter, hopefully they can make it a little bit bigger and fit a little better." Goaltender Marty Turco thought the forwards looked strange in them. "They looked like video game guys," he said. A Nike spokesman called the morning scrimmage "a test session" and alterations would be made to the jerseys. WORLD CONNECTION: Rick Nash had two goals and an assist as the white team beat the red team 5-2 Thursday. The 21-year-old Columbus star undressed Robyn Regehr on his second goal and cut right in with amazing speed to beat Jose Theodore with a nifty deke. He feels he's ready to join this group in Turin. "I've got three years of pro hockey under my belt now. I don't think I look out of place out there," he said. "I feel like I fit in and hopefully the management side sees that too." Nash has been reunited this week with Joe Thornton and Simon Gagne, his linemates from the world championship in Austria this spring where the trio terrorized the opposition. "It really seems like we haven't missed a step, we're still connecting," Nash said of his linemates. "And I really think there's a true chemistry there between the three of us." Thornton would love to see the line play together in Turin. "That would be special. I love playing with those two guys," said the Boston star. "We had good success in the world championships and hopefully all three of us get off to a great start this season and play together again in the Olympics. "We just complement each other's games very well." NOT HAPPY: Roberto Luongo is unhappy that the Florida Panthers are bringing him to salary arbitration next Wednesday. "I'm not going to say I'm pleased about it, that's for sure," he said. "I didn't think things were going to get down to that." The arbitration award will give Luongo a one-year deal and ensure there won't be a prolonged contract battle. He'll be a restricted free agent next summer. "They said they wanted to make sure I was going to be at training camp this year. If they want to make sure I'll be in training camp this year, I'll be there, but I don't know what's going to happen with training camps in the future." CHECKING FORWARDS: Mike Peca, Kris Draper and Keith Primeau are arguably the top three defensive forwards in the NHL but it's doubtful all three can make the Olympic team. They're battling each other for one and perhaps two jobs on the team. "It's hard to tell," said Peca. "I think we all add different things at the same time. We all carry the same roles with our NHL teams. But we have more value as well. Kris can play any position on the forward line, same with Keith and same with myself. It's been fun, we're all pushing each other." LOCKOUT FUN: Martin Brodeur was quick to point out his favourite moment during the lockout. "I went to the Super Bowl, it was awesome," he said. "Hey, it's not something I can usually do during a regular season. So when the lockout game I called up my buddies and told them we were going to the Super Bowl."

GO CANADA GO!

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