A lot of NHL players have been asked what means more, winning a Stanley Cup or winning a gold medal at the Olympics?
While winning both the Cup and Olympic gold, or any medal for that matter, is a special feat, there is something to be said about captaining your country to a gold medal.
Looking back at the history of Team USA hockey, Mike Eruzione was everything and more as the captain of Team USA that won gold in Lake Placid in 1980. He worked hard, he sacrificed his body, he was someone other players listened to and he came through in the clutch.
When looking at the list of invitees to Team USA’s Olympic camp, one will notice that there are several NHL team captains and alternate captains who would be good candidates to wear the “C” in Sochi at the 2014 Games.
With that said, there is one player that really stands out and one that should be looked at as the player to lead his country to a good showing in February.
That player is New York Rangers’ forward Ryan Callahan. The 28-year-old has been the Rangers’ captain the past two seasons and has shown that he does everything and more in this role.
Callahan could just as easily bring the following characteristics to lead Team USA in Sochi:
Sacrifice
When it comes to sacrificing the body, Callahan goes above and beyond the call of duty.
Year in and year out, Callahan throws his body around. In fact, over the last three and a half seasons, Callahan has average 267 hits a season.
Not only does Callahan hit, he also blocks shots. This past season, Callahan led the league in blocked shots by forwards with 66 blocks in 45 games played.
Put those two things together and you have a player who is not afraid to do anything on the ice.
Leader on the Ice
Callahan plays the game the right way and is someone that Team USA can use in all situations.
Not only does Callahan play physical and block shots, but he can play on the power play, kill penalties, can handle the puck for long periods of time without turning it over, stick up for his teammates and much more.
“Captain Cally” as his Rangers’ teammates and fans call him, is someone that will always give the extra effort that is needed to help his hockey club.
Clutch
Not only can Callahan do all of the above, but he can also come through offensively for his hockey club when his team needs it the most.
Callahan has averaged six game-winning goals per season over the last three seasons. Team USA head coach Dan Bylsma can count on Callahan to come through with a big shorthanded goal, a huge power play goal or a goal to help his team win a hockey game.
When the game is on the line and Bylsma needs a player to do something big to change the outcome of a game, Callahan is the player he should turn to.
