Canada chooses Olympic hockey team

SASKATOON, Saskatchewan, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur headlined the 23-member squad chosen Wednesday to lead Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

The 2010 tournament takes place at UBC Winter Sports Centre and GM Place, the home of the NHL's Vancouver Canucks.

It will be the first time the Olympic tournament will be held on an NHL-sized rink, which is smaller than the traditional international rink size.

Among other NHL stars named were Anaheim Ducks defenseman Rob Niedermayer (team captain), Pittsburgh center Sidney Crosby (alternate captain), Calgary right wing Jarome Iginla and Philadelphia defenseman Chris Pronger.

Brodeur, 37, is in his 16th season with the Devils and has won three Stanley Cup titles.

Team Canada Executive Director Steve Yzerman, a former NHL great, said there was "great debate" before the team was chosen.

Team Canada was eliminated from the 2006 tournament with a 2-0 loss to Russia in the quarterfinals.