The Spectrum

Issue date: 2/15/06 Section: Sports

Media Credit: AP Photo/ Jacques Boissinot Captain America Chris Chelios will wear the 'C' for the third time in his career.

Atlanta Thrashers' general manager Don Waddell has brought the organization from the depths of expansion to become one of the more successful teams in the NHL. In eight years, Waddell has helped to turn the college city into a budding hockey haven of the south. Waddell was also the general manager of the 2004 World Cup team and is the general manager of the 2006 Olympic USA hockey team. He had significant power in selecting the members of this year's team. The Spectrum's Pat Pickens was able to reach Waddle to discuss the makeup of the United States Olympic team in this exclusive interview.

Pat Pickens: Mr. Waddell, You had a significant role in determining who was chosen for the 2006 Olympics in Turin, Italy. What were you and your staff looking for in this year's team?

Don Waddell: It was difficult to determine a team for this year's Olympics, because we did not play hockey last year. We had to base the majority of our decisions on this year's performances, which was difficult.

However, we tried to build a team that would play a team game. We needed guys who were checkers, guys who could win face-offs, and guys who could play special teams. We were looking for a team that could win us eight games; if it was for one game, we would stockpile a whole group of stars. But because of the length of the tournament we were looking for high character guys who could play a team game and be successful.

PP: You have a mix of youth and experience on this team. However, it seems that your strength is the veteran leadership. Would you agree with that?

DW: Yes, it definitely is one of our strengths. However, we have some older guys who are inexperienced in regards to international competition. [New York Islanders forward] Jason Blake is about 30 and has no Olympic experience. He is a good example of that. I'd say that we have a good mix of older and younger players.

PP: What would you say is the major difference between this year's team in Turin and the team that won the silver medal in Salt Lake City in 2002?

DW: We have about nine or 10 guys that are returning from that team that won the silver in Salt Lake City. However, we are in a transition period here at USA hockey, and the major difference, I would say, is at the goalie position. We have three goalies that we assigned to the team who were not with us in Salt Lake City. They are three very good goalies. However, they have never played under the pressure of the Olympics, and for them to play well is a major key for us succeeding.

Continued...

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