via theScore's tumblr
I’ve brought up the race for NHL 2013 coverboy before here and specifically Scott Hartnell’s campaign to be the man on the front of everyone’s shiny new toy come next season. In sum, I’m a big supporter of it, I think it would be great.
The Philadelphia Flyers have rolled out their campaign to get their man on the cover and it begins with the “Captain Canada” look above. Not too shabby, crew.
Having seen this, who’s your ultimate Captain per hockey country?
Russia, Finland, Sweden, Canada, the Czech Republic and the USA are the top six in the IIHF rankings, run with those.
Russia: Datsyuk
Finland: Selanne
Sweden: Lidstrom
Czech: Jagr
USA: Miller or Parise as a skater
Canada: Crosby
Russia: Bryzgalov
Finland: Leino
Sweden: Omark
Czech Republic: Kaberle (or Hudler)
USA: Kane (or Gomez)
Canada: Bertuzzi (or Avery)
More seriously, though, it’s hard to argue with Tom’s list, esp. for the first three countries, although Alfredsson or Zetterberg would also be a good choice for Sweden while both Koivu brothers would also be good choices for Finland.
Russia: Morozov
Finland: Kurri (all-time best), Koivu Bros today
Sweden: Lidstrom
Czech: Elias
USA: Leetch, Modano, Lafontaine
Canada: Gretzky, Neidermayer, Sakic
Russia: Malkin
Finland: Selanne
Sweden: Lidstrom/Backstrom
Czech: Elias/Jagr
USA: Kane
Canada: Tavares
Slovenia: Kopitar.
… what?
And Brown’s nickname already is Captain America, so I think it’s safe to say he’s the US rep.
Crosby or Malkin
or marc-andre fluery