TORONTO — Mike Babcock had just three days to prepare his team for its first game at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. Team Canada’s head coach won’t be so pressed for time ahead of the World Cup of Hockey.
Training camp begins in Ottawa on Monday with the tournament starting almost two weeks later in Toronto on Sept. 17. That leaves plenty of opportunity for Babcock and his staff to evaluate starting goalie Carey Price, rejig a defence that will be without injured veteran Duncan Keith and craft line combinations from a wealth of talent.
“We’re excited about the mix of our group and I know as a management staff and coaching staff we’re excited to get to Ottawa and get up and running and I’m sure the players share that same excitement,” Canada general manager Doug Armstrong said in an interview.