Hockey News: Team Canada Ball Hockey; Kessel Contract

Insurance issues kept Team Canada off the ice at the Olympic orientation camp. So they turned to the next best thing. [National Post]

Roberto Luongo
Roberto Luongo was the starter in 2010, will he retain his spot in 2014?

Meanwhile, Team USA unveiled their new Olympic jerseys. With all of the camera technology we have today, one wonders how exactly these pictures happened. [The Nose Bleeds]

Because the final rosters won’t be chosen until late December, expect protected lineups galore until then. [SB Nation]

Which player not invited to camp has the best chance of cracking Canada’s Olympic roster? Hint: it rhymes with Sam Chord. [News Observer]

Jamie Benn was none too pleased about not being invited to camp. [Sooke News]

Questions and answers around the American team. “Why are the jerseys so awful” surprisingly wasn’t included. [USA Today]

Ilya Kovalchuk (syume/Flickr)
Ilya Kovalchuk (syume/Flickr)

Ilya Kovalchuk’s recent comments about Russian laws weren’t taken well by many around the hockey world. [Rant Sports]

A few NHL players had a different response on the subject. But honestly, what do North American’s really understand about Russia politics? Answer: not a whole lot. [Straight.com]

Lost in all the Olympic talk was Adam Henrique’s new contract with the Devils. Finally some good news for fans in New Jersey. [TSN]

After signing his best friend and favorite center Tyler Bozak, Phil Kessel is non-committal about his future in Toronto. Imagine being stuck with Bozak’s contract and losing Kessel to free agency? A Leafs’ fans worst nightmare, to be sure. [Toronto Sun]

Will the Alex Pietrangelo negotiations ever come to a resolution? [STL Today]

And finally, good to hear Marc Staal is feeling better. Wishing him continued success in his recovery. [NHL]