August 9 , 2004
NR.081

JOSE THEODORE NAMED TO TEAM CANADA’S ROSTER;
ED BELFOUR WILL NOT PLAY FOR TEAM CANADA AT
WORLD CUP OF HOCKEY 2004 DUE TO INJURY

CALGARY, AB – Team Canada’s World Cup of Hockey 2004 Executive Director Wayne Gretzky, along with Canada’s management and coaching staff, were informed on Monday that Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Ed Belfour will be unable to play for Team Canada for the upcoming World Cup of Hockey, due to injury.

Team Canada named Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jose Theodore to its roster for the World Cup of Hockey 2004 on Monday, after a conference call with Head Coach Pat Quinn and the Team Canada management staff.

“I am very excited and honoured to be named to Team Canada, “ said Theodore. “Any time you have the opportunity to represent your country, it is a thrill, and I’m looking forward to being a part of Team Canada at the World Cup of Hockey.”

“We are disappointed that Eddie can’t participate for Team Canada at the World Cup, “ said Gretzky.  “But we are thrilled that Jose is a part of our team.”

Theodore has played eight NHL seasons, all with the Montreal Canadiens.  In 2003-04 he was ranked sixth in the NHL with 33 wins (a career high), sixth with six shutouts and was ninth in the NHL in save percentage (.919).  Theodore was the winner of the Hart Trophy  (NHL’s Most Valuable Player), the Vezina Trophy (NHLs best goaltender) and the MBNA Roger Crozier “Saving Grace Award” for top save percentage (.931) all in 2001-2002. Theodore has appeared in two NHL All-Star Games (2004 and 2002) and was thethe 2004 Molson Cup 3 Star winner for the 4th straight year in 2003-2004 with the Canadiens.

Team Canada’s training camp will open on August 20th in Ottawa, ON at the University of Ottawa, where the team will train for three days and then relocate to the Corel Centre. Canada will play its first game of the World Cup of Hockey 2004 on August 31 versus Team USA at the Bell Centre in Montreal.

Tickets are on sale for Team Canada’s exhibition games in Ottawa, and the Team Canada International Series:

Three game ticket packages and individual tickets can be purchased by the general public on-line at www.capitaltickets.ca, by calling 613-599-FANS or by calling toll free: 1-877-788-FANS. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Corel Centre box office and at all Sports Expert locations in Ottawa-Gatineau.

2004 World Cup Site