Steven Stamkos was in Toronto as a part of the Samsung Galaxy Olympic Team this week. Stamkos, along with fellow Olympians Hayley Wickenheiser, Greg Westlake, Marie-Eve Drolet and Michael Gilday were chosen to represent both Team Canada and Samsung as a part of their new #BringItHome campaign for Sochi. Afterwards, Stamkos spoke with us here at LastWordonSports and shared his thoughts on his mindset with the Olympics just over 100 days away.
Stamkos was all smiles during and after the event, obviously looking forward to representing his team. He admitted that the Olympics are “something that’s in the back of your mind – it’s hard not to be with it being an Olympic year. I had the chance to go to that Olympic camp as well in Calgary and see a lot of the guys.”
The Olympics are something that Stamkos said has been “casually brought up” in the dressing room. Fellow teammates Martin St. Louis and Victor Hedman are some of the teammate he would discuss the Olympics with, who are both hoping to make their respective countries. Stamkos explained that St. Louis in particular will be looking to impress.
“Ever since 2010 he really took that to heart, not being on the team,” said Stamkos on St. Louis failing to make the Olympic squad in Vancouver. “He wants to prove to everyone that he’s still an elite player.”
Chemistry is something that cannot be ignored. St. Louis and Stamkos have played together for the past five and a half years, which could work in both players’ advantage.
“Chemistry is something that is a huge factor, especially in short tournaments,” said Stamkos. “You don’t get a chance to play exhibition games – the team gets picked, you get over there, have three practices and then you have to play. I think [chemistry] goes into picking the team – you try to pick guys who have played together in the past.”
Stamkos was very humble, never acting as if he had already made the team. While Stamkos may, “hope to be on the team and bring back a gold medal,” the two-time Maurice Richard trophy winner is practically a lock on the squad. He will have the full support of his entire nation as Canada looks to make it two straight Olympic gold medals.
