Drew Doughty, the veteran defenseman of the Los Angeles Kings, is focusing on securing a place on Team Canada’s Olympic roster for the upcoming Games. With the official announcement expected on December 31, Doughty remains confident about his chances despite some skepticism from outsiders.
Drew Doughty’s Olympic Aspirations
The 36-year-old player feels he has demonstrated his value on the ice. Doughty has been a leading player for his team, consistently logging the most minutes for 18 consecutive seasons. He believes his experience makes him an ideal candidate for a depth role on Team Canada.
Doughty stated, “In my heart and mind, I expect to be there.” He highlights his ability to handle pressure and perform well in crucial moments. With previous Olympic experience, including being a standout player in both the 2010 and 2014 Games, Doughty argues that his track record should not be overlooked.
Performance Highlights
- Representative player for Canada in 2010 and leading scorer in 2014
- Strong performance in the Four Nations tournament despite a challenging recovery from injury
- Consistent role as a two-way defenseman with strong defensive skills
- Experienced in playing against top lines for 17 years
This season, Doughty has been engaged in intensive rehabilitation following ankle surgery, dedicating an hour each day to recovery. He has returned to form and feels he is competing at a world-class level. According to him, “I’m playing much better this year than last.”
Team Canada’s Defense Lineup
The Four Nations roster included notable players such as Cale Makar, Josh Morrissey, and Devon Toews, potentially forming a strong defensive lineup for the Olympics. Doughty believes that his contributions in penalty killing and defensive strategies make him a strong asset for the team.
Doughty also addressed his offensive statistics this season, noting that while they may not standout, his role focuses on critical defensive responsibilities. He said, “I’m still a high-level player and skating much better than I was last season.”
Getting Ready for the Announcement
As the roster decision approaches, Doughty is optimistic and remains in contact with Hockey Canada officials about his potential inclusion. His focus is on ensuring he is ready for the announcement and ready to contribute to Team Canada’s success in the upcoming Olympics.
With support from his Kings coach, Jim Hiller, who plays him significant minutes, Doughty is eager to prove his worth on the national stage once again. Whether Doughty’s name appears on the roster will be clarified on December 31, as Team Canada’s Olympic journey begins.
