It's Knight-time in Turino
A local talent is hoping to contribute to a consecutive Olympic gold medal performance in Torino, Italy.
Former London Knights star Rick Nash is skating for the Canadian men's hockey team, being counted on to perform at an elite level and put points on the board for the 2002 gold medal winners and 2006 gold medal favourites.
Nash, who grew up in Brantford, Ontario, played for the London Knights in the 2000/2001 and the 2001/2002 seasons recording 66 and 72 points in his two seasons with London's Ontario Hockey League franchise.
After his successful tenure with the Knights, Nash was drafted first overall in the 2002 National Hockey League (NHL) Entry Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets.
It didn't take Nash long to get used to the league, as he won the 2003/2004 Maurice “Rocket” Richard Award for top goal scorer in the NHL, in only his second season in the league.
Nash's success and ability over the past couple seasons led to Team Canada selecting him to the 2006 Olympic Team, subsequently making him the youngest athlete on the roster. Nash said on NHL.com that he is looking forward to the overall experience of the Olympic Games.
“Just being part of the whole experience. The biggest thing is being an Olympian. We have a lot of games in such a short time out there. I think it's seven games in 12 days, ideally, if we go all the way. So just cherishing your time out there. It's an honor,” said Nash.
Skating on a line with Boston Bruins forward Joe Thornton and Philadelphia Flyers forward Simon Gagne, Nash helped Team Canada to a 7-2 preliminary round victory over the host team Italy on the first day of the men's competition on February 15th.
Former London Knights star Rick Nash is skating for the Canadian men's hockey team, being counted on to perform at an elite level and put points on the board for the 2002 gold medal winners and 2006 gold medal favourites.
Nash, who grew up in Brantford, Ontario, played for the London Knights in the 2000/2001 and the 2001/2002 seasons recording 66 and 72 points in his two seasons with London's Ontario Hockey League franchise.
After his successful tenure with the Knights, Nash was drafted first overall in the 2002 National Hockey League (NHL) Entry Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets.
It didn't take Nash long to get used to the league, as he won the 2003/2004 Maurice “Rocket” Richard Award for top goal scorer in the NHL, in only his second season in the league.
Nash's success and ability over the past couple seasons led to Team Canada selecting him to the 2006 Olympic Team, subsequently making him the youngest athlete on the roster. Nash said on NHL.com that he is looking forward to the overall experience of the Olympic Games.
“Just being part of the whole experience. The biggest thing is being an Olympian. We have a lot of games in such a short time out there. I think it's seven games in 12 days, ideally, if we go all the way. So just cherishing your time out there. It's an honor,” said Nash.
Skating on a line with Boston Bruins forward Joe Thornton and Philadelphia Flyers forward Simon Gagne, Nash helped Team Canada to a 7-2 preliminary round victory over the host team Italy on the first day of the men's competition on February 15th.
